Wilma (Tesdall) Ruppert
February 20, 2013
September 29, 1923 - February 20, 2013
Born in the Norwegian community of Huxley, Iowa, Wilma was the third generation of immigrants from Etna, Norway, to settle there, a heritage she was always proud of. Wilma was the youngest child born to Burton and Helen (Nessa) Tesdall. She had four older brothers: Mervin, Kenneth, Arnold, and Herbert. Graduating from Huxley High School in 1941, Wilma and her classmates have remained close lifelong friends.
Wilma married Joseph Earl Ruppert, Sr., on May 22, 1942, and moved to Des Moines, where she worked as a welder at Solar Aircraft during WWII. Her position, as for so many women during wartime, became widely known as “Rosie the Riveter.” From this union six children were born.
Preceding her in death were Joseph Earl Ruppert, Sr.; children: Rene Jolene Ruppert and Joseph Earl Ruppert, Jr.; grandsons: Robert Pearson and Aron Handeland; and a great-granddaughter, Sarah Wing. Wilma is survived by her remaining children: Nancy (Chris) Canterbury, Canon City CO, Edward (Martha) Ruppert, Ames IA, Sharon (Ruppert) Handeland, Dexter IA, and Lyle (Savouen) Ruppert, Longmont CO. Wilma has been blessed with 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Wilma was buried Friday, February 22, at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines, alongside her baby, Rene. She will be greatly missed.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Laura
02/22/2013
I love u Gramma......thank you for surprising me on the playground in second grade....how magical! xoxo forever!
Carol (Olson) Keithline
02/23/2013
Remember your mother well. And all the times we played together while you lived across from us. Sorry for your loss. It is hard on Mom counting the few classmates that are left. But they were such a close class. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Ruppert-Canterbury
02/21/2013
Mom our time together was sometimes firery but our bond was fierce. I loved your messages over the years "call me I'm bored, need someone to argue with" I will love & miss you forever Nancy
Chris Canterbury
02/21/2013
Will miss your Norweign humor, we always had a good laugh and that's how I'll always remember you. "your favorite son-in-law" ( because for 31 years I've been your only son-in-law) love Chris