YANKTON, S.D. — Irma Jean Wiepen, 88, Yankton, S.D., formerly of St. Helena,, died surrounded by her family Nov. 2, 2025, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Hospice, Yankton, after having a stroke. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Nov. 20, at Holy Family (Immaculate Conception) Catholic Church, St. Helena, with Rev. Jim Keiter officiating. Burial will be in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, St. Helena. Pallbearers are grandsons: Michael Wieseler, Scott Wieseler, Nicholas Peitz, John Peitz, Chris Poole, Don Poole, Jacob Wiepen and Mathew Heimes. Honorary pallbearers are granddaughters: Danielle Thacker, Denise McCaune, Valerie Woodward, Cheryl Norris, Jessica Humphrey, Tristin Miles, Anna Wiepen, Kari Wieseler, Jennifer Kauffman, Samantha Wieseler, Jackie Genzlinger, Dana Huether, Delana Mach and Denae Mach.

Visitation is from 4-6 p.m., Nov. 19, at the church, with a vigil service at 6 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Yankton.

Irma was born July 16, 1937, in Hartington, to John and Susan (Kleinschmit) Lauer. She attended country school and graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1955. Irma married Francis Wiepen April 4, 1956, and they were blessed with six children. Irma was a homemaker , cake decorator and made flower arrangements for weddings. She worked in housekeeping at Avera Sacred Heart for 28 years, from 1983 to 2011, and then worked in Home Health Care for several more years. But most of all, Irma was an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved working outside and spent many hours creating flower beds, gardening and canning. She also enjoyed square dancing, sewing and monitoring Life360 to check on her children.

Irma was a very hard worker and always on the go. She instilled the philosophy in her children of not doing half a job and giving y our all when working, especially cleaning.

Irma was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church and was strong in her faith and loved the Lord.

Irma is survived by six children, Carol (Dan) Poole, Honey Creek, Iowa; Nancy (Bruce) Peitz, Fordyce; Kevin (Lisa) Wiepen, Yankton, S.D.; Janet (Mike) Wieseler, Tyndall, S.D.; Peggy (Bryce) Mach, Viborg, S.D.; and David Wiepen, Stanton; 22 grandchildren; 38 greatgrandchildren; three siblings, Larry (Kathy) Lauer, Hartington; Darlene Schmidt, Hartington; and Donna (Steve) Adam, Tabor, S.D.; and many nieces and nephews.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Francis, Dec. 25, 2017; great -granddaughter, Aria Mae Miles; siblings, Lillian (Rudy) Kathol, Rita (Dallas) Leader, Donald (Elsie) Lauer; infant siblings, Frederick and Grace Lauer; and brother-in-law, Robert “Pup” Schmidt.