Alma Wetzel

Alma Wilhelmina Wetzel, age 92, passed away peacefully at Northcrest Living Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa on January 12, 2025. Alma was born September 30, 1932, to the late Chris and Christine (Sonksen) Albertsen at her parent’s home in Douglas Township, Audubon County, Iowa. Alma was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lincoln Township northwest of Audubon, Iowa. She attended rural school Douglas #2 then graduated from the Audubon High School in 1951. Alma helped her parents on their farm while growing up and was involved in 4H, becoming the president of her club, the Douglas Daughters. 

On September 19th, 1954, Alma was united in marriage to Richard Lee Wetzel at Trinity Lutheran Church in Douglas Township. Richard and Alma enjoyed over 60 years together until his death in 2015. They raised six children together in Audubon, Iowa. After their children had graduated and moved out of the home, Richard moved his construction business to Council Bluffs, Iowa and they relocated to Council Bluffs for the remainder of their lives. Alma was a hard worker throughout her life. Over the years she worked a variety of jobs including dental assistant, bookkeeper, cook, line operator, hostess and bank teller. From 1968 to 1972 Alma owned and operated the Irwin Café in Irwin, Iowa. She retired from working in 2000 as a bank teller at Mercantile Bank in Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

In their later years Alma and Richard enjoyed traveling on group bus tours around the country and frequent visits to Branson, Missouri. She enjoyed spending time with her family including her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Alma was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking for family and friends, needlepoint, gardening and canning.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Wetzel; son, Roger Wetzel; grandson, Roger Wetzel, Jr.; siblings Helen Hansen and Alvin Albertsen. Alma is survived by children, Lorraine (Stan) Romey of Templeton, Iowa, Ronald Wetzel of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Lynnette (Rawlin) Kinney of Huxley, Iowa, Rolyn (Cheryl) Wetzel of West Des Moines, Iowa and Richard (Gale) Wetzel of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brother Leroy (Sharlene) Albertsen of Carroll, Iowa; grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am-12:00pm at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00pm at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Friday, January 17, 2025. The family will direct memorials.