Wilma L. (Fryslie) Vilmain

Wilma Louise Vilmain, the daughter of Franklin and Floy Fryslie was born March 27, 1924, in Popejoy, Iowa.  She attended school in Goldfield where she played basketball and graduated with the “Class of 41”.

    Being a woman of innovation, Wilma became one of the first career women as she traveled the western U.S. for Western Union. For several years, she traveled by herself, most notably to Jackson Hole and Riverton, WY.  Wilma excelled as an equestrian and in 1944 was crowned Rodeo Queen in Riverton.

    Wilma met a dashing man with thick black hair and an infectious smile and soon returned to the Midwest.  She married “Big Daddy” Richard Vilmain at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove on February 5, 1948, where they were lifelong members.

    Wilma was very active in her church.  Her business career included a partnership in Vilmain Sound Service.  Wilma was instrumental in the organization of the Senior Citizens Center and Meals on Wheels in Eagle Grove and also served many years as an Eagle Grove Councilwoman.

    Wilma passed away Sunday, November 3, 2019, at Rotary Senior Living in Eagle Grove, at the age of 95 years.  She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Richard in 2006.

    Survivors include her three children, Thomas Vilmain and wife Brenda of Ames, Jerry Vilmain and wife Dar of Chaska, MN, and Jacque Vilmain of Austin, TX; four grandchildren, Benjamin, Nathan, Andrew and Mindy; and is proud to have 8 great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ruth Vilmain of Santa Fe, NM and many loving nieces and nephews.

     Wilma was always the consummate hostess and invigorating conversationalist.  Her humor still resonates.  She kept us positive, joyful and always feeling loved.  These are the gifts we will always carry with us on our journey ahead.  Thanks mom. God bless you.  “Reunited with your husband in God’s safe keep.  May you run, may you leap…And be young in your sleep!”

    Funeral Mass will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eagle Grove with Monsignor John Hemann officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 3:15 p.m. at the Foust Funeral Home, Eagle Grove. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

    Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.

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