Irma passed away peacefully on November 24, 2019 at the age of 95 following an extended battle with dementia. She was comforted with the love and support of her family, church, care givers, friends and neighbors. Irma was born on a small farm near Julesburg, CO and lived her adult life in the Denver area, with the last 7 years under the helping care of Holly Creek Christian Living Communities in Centennial and Aviant Hospice.
Throughout her life, Irma upheld the greatest love for her husband of 64 years, Wilbur, and their family, manifesting it through her faith, acceptance, sweetness, innocence, caring touch, and happiness that was expressed through her unforgettable smile at gatherings with family and friends.
As a secretary in the Public Relations Department of the Colorado Department of Highways, she was involved in press releases and other administrative duties during construction of the Interstate 70 Eisenhower/Johnson Memorial Tunnel and early Glenwood Canyon construction projects. Her favorite retirement activities were shared with her husband and included the Kilowatt Eights Square Dance Club--still dancing at nearly 85 on the Club's 70th Anniversary, and the Rocky Mountain Oldsmobile Club where they were proud owners of award winning 1938 and 1980 Oldsmobiles.
Survivors include beloved sons Calvin (wife, Sharon) and Rick (partner, Phil Thomsen); grandson, Colton (wife, Ashley, great grandson Cooper and great granddaughter Avery); nephews James Keeney (Marie) and Robert Schoonover (Shannon); niece Terri Linn Tormohlen (Allan); cousin Phyllis Mailloux; and other extended family members.
Visitation will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 6 at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd., Centennial, CO 80121. Her memorial service, officiated by the Rev. Greg Zillinger, will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 7691 S. University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122. A Celebration of Life will be held at Holly Creek in Centennial. Her final resting place will be alongside her husband at Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following in memory of Irma:
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 7691 S. University Blvd., Centennial, CO 80122
OR
The Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, 455 Sherman St. Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203
OR
Christian Living Communities-Holly Creek Employee Appreciation Fund, 5500 E Peakview Ave, Centennial, CO 80121
OR
Aviant Hospice, 7000 E Belleview Ave, Suite 370, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
