IvaLou (Wiemer) Wellmann, age 95, was called to her heavenly home on May 3, 2026.
She was born to Martin H. and Emma (Meier) Wiemer on Oct. 25, 1930, at York Hospital. That same day, she was baptized by Rev. G.H. Koslowske, making her a member of St. John's Lutheran Church south of Waco.
She attended South St. John's School, and her only teacher was Martin P. Senske. On Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943, she and 12 classmates were confirmed by Rev. Koslowske.
Her four high school years were spent at Concordia High School in Seward, graduating June 1, 1947. On Oct. 3, 1948, she married her returned Sailor, Norman H. (Bud) Wellmann at St. John's, Waco. They were blessed with three sons, Gordon Norman, Glenn Douglas and Gale Dwayne.
She was a life-long member of St. John's. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a Ladies Aid member, doing a lot of quilting and making quilts for Orphan Grain Train. Sewing was a life-long interest, beginning with hemming flour sacks, flowing into making her personal wardrobe, and then family and children sewing including hundreds of shirts for her husband and sons.
After 20 years of helping milk in the Grade-A barn, she went into the business of sewing for others, which included 15 years of bridal sewing.
For two years, she and Bud would put on their yellow vests every Sunday afternoon and for four hours drove the motorist assist van on I-80. She was the second woman in this program. She could have written a book about the people they met.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Norman; sons, Gordon Wellman and Glenn Wellmann; brother, Loren Wiemer; infant sister; and infant great-grandson, Henry.
She is survived by son, Gale and wife Judy Wellmann, Waco. Also, six grandchildren and spouses, Shelley (Ryan) Scheele, Utica, Travis (Stephanie) Wellman, Williston, North Dakota, Bryon (Ashley) Wellmann, Waco, Bradley Wellmann, York, Natalie (Tristan) Ibarra, Papillion, and Tina (Jeremy) Hogue, Waco; five great-grandchildren, Dylan (Mercedes) Scheele, Tiffany Scheele, Emma Hogue, Alexander Wellmann, Eli Wellmann; one great-great-grandson, Tripp Scheele; and sister-in-law, Justine Wiemer.
IvaLou preferred to be cremated, so there will be no viewing. A memorial service will be Wednesday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waco with a private committal at the church cemetery. The family requests no flowers, instead memorial contributions are suggested to Mission Central, Orphan Grain Train, or the donor's choice.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
