Irma Jean (Cirks) Walstrom

Irma Jean Cirks, daughter of Christian and Emma Reiter Cirks, was born on January 25,1934 outside of Gilmore City. She passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019 at the Humboldt North Care Center at the age of 85.

Irma grew up on a farm north of Manson. She received her elementary education at a country school. While in high school in Manson, she fell in love with upperclassman Ronald Walstrom. In February 1951 Ron enlisted in the US Navy. That summer Irma followed him to Florida and they were married on August 10, 1951. To their union four children were born: Chris, Renae, Dick, and Ivan.

Ron and Irma moved back to Manson in 1955 where Irma became involved in her community as a Cub Scout den mother and a Sunday school teacher. Later she was a member and held offices of Wa-Tan-Ye, the VFW Auxiliary, the Ambulance Board, and the Manson Golf Course Women’s Board. She also served as one of the first EMTs in Manson.

In 1964 Irma became a reporter for the Manson Journal. She earned her GED in 1976, went on to obtain her real estate and insurance licenses, then worked for the Bill Partlow Agency for many years.

Ron and Irma retired to Panama City Beach, Florida in 1988 where Irma was a committed member of Messiah Lutheran Church, eventually serving as the church board’s secretary. She was also active with the St. Andrew’s Extended Family and was a supporter of the Taunton Family Children’s Home. Irma was also involved with the AmVets Auxiliary and was an avid member of TOPs where she held office and earned many awards.

A few years after Ron's death, Irma moved back to Iowa. In her later years she was a resident at the Good Samaritan Center in Manson before moving to the Humboldt North Nursing Home.

Irma had a lifelong love of gardening, fishing, and hunting. She learned to golf when the Manson Golf Course opened, and golfing became a favorite pastime.

Preceding Irma in death were her parents, her husband Ronald, her brother Irvin (Bud) Cirks, son-in-law Stewart Harberts, and granddaughter Julie Walstrom. Survivors include her sister Verna and husband Roger Miller; her children - Chris and wife Cheryl of Gilmore City; Renae of Grove City, Ohio; Dick of Milan, Michigan; and Ivan and Diane of Palmer. She also leaves behind 11 grandchildren - Brian Walstrom, Gregory Walstrom, Jessica Kaiser, Tamara Fuelling, Jonathan Harberts, Brent Harberts, Ryan Walstrom, Brandon Walstrom, Michelle Busch, Marty Walstrom, and Ronnie Walstrom - and 26 great- grandchildren.

Irma will be remembered for her startlingly blue eyes that conveyed friendliness and kindness to everyone she met. She was a woman of boundless energy and generosity. She loved God and touched the lives of many.

Memorials are to be directed to the Manson Ambulance Service.

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