Wilma G. Wever passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior, on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the age of 91.
Wilma was born at home in Fairview, SD to Egbert and Minnie Gelderman. She was the second of six children, five girls and one boy. Wilma enjoyed being outdoors as a child she often helped her father with the things that needed to be done on the farm like milking cows, slopping pigs, and picking corn. In her later years she especially enjoyed telling detailed stories about her childhood.
When she was 17 she left Fairview and came to California where she soon found work. Wilma's first job was in Modesto for Cleveland Outdoor Advertising as a bookkeeper.
Wilma met Bernie Wever one Sunday evening after attending church in Ripon and soon after they started dating. They were married on April 11, 1940. This April would have been their 72nd wedding anniversary. They have two children, Carron Van Laar and Barry Wever (Carlyn). In the late 1940's, after the war Bernie started his own trucking company with Wilma working beside him as bookkeeper, dispatcher and whatever else was necessary to help make their business, Wever Trucking, a success. It is still operated by family members today.
Wilma has been a faithful member of Calvary Reformed Church for over 60 years. She loved music and sang in the church choir for many years. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading. She participated on various bowling teams into her 80's. She and Bernie took many trips in their retirement; from camping in their RV to ocean cruises. She especially enjoyed birthday lunches with her sisters as well as attending family get togethers; birthday parties, graduations, weddings, and holiday celebrations. Their children blessed them with six grandchildren: Carla Travaille (Sam), Pamela Ruch (Mike), Michael Wever (Lorene), David Van Laar (Kathy), Doug Wever (Linda), and Eric Wever (Laura). They have 14 great grandchildren. When a couple of the older great-granddaughters married two more great grandsons were added. Last year their family expanded to five generations with the addition of a great-great-granddaughter.
In addition to her husband, Bernie, and their family she is also survived by three sisters; Rose Travaille, Evelyn Boer (John) and Julie Mc Manis (Paul), sister-in-law,
Adriana Roubos (Del) and Hilda Wever. She was preceded in death by her sister, Gertrude Owens and husband, Harold; her brother, Bill Gelderman, sister-in-law, Bonnie Gelderman and son-in law, Larry Van Laar.
Family members will remember Wilma's love and concern for each of them and are thankful for the Christian examples she and Bernie have always tried to set for them.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 1, 2012 , from 2:00 p.m-5:00p.m at Deegan Memorial Chapel. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 2, 2012, at 10:00a.m at the Ripon Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Reformed Church. For condolences to the family, please visit her online guestbook at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts in her memory be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or a charity of your choice.
Manteca (Calif) Bulletin
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
