Velma Waechter

Velma Genevieve Waechter, 101, passed away February 10, at Windsor Senior Living in Sigourney, Iowa. She was born December 4, 1922, near Harper, Iowa, to Henry and Anna (Krier) Klett. She attended elementary at Cornstalk Center and graduated from Sigourney High School in 1940. After graduation she taught rural school for a short time and then worked in a factory in Des Moines, where she helped make ammunition belts. 

She married Francis L. Waechter on April 20, 1943. When Private Waechter was stationed at the Army base in California to patrol the border, she lived in San Diego until he was transferred overseas during World War II. At that time she returned to Des Moines and worked in a factory, one that made coveralls for servicemen.

When Francis was discharged from the Army, he and Velma settled on a farm south of Sigourney and remained for 47 years. In 1992 they retired and moved into Sigourney. She remained in her home until she moved to Deer View Assisted Living facility in 2017 she then moved to Windsor Place Senior Campus in 2021. 

She enjoyed her family, traveling, playing cards, Bingo, gardening, sewing, quilting and cooking. She was a lifetime member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society.

She is survived by her son Gary (Cindy) Waechter, Sigourney, and her daughter Karen (Doug) Sheetz, Iowa City; four grandchildren: Amy (Kelly) Barney, Ely, Nevada; Jerome (Kellie) Waechter, Hedrick; Brandon (Jess) Sheetz, Milton, Wisconsin; and Ryan Sheetz and fiancée Erin Williams West Des Moines; and three great-grandsons: Hayden and Eli Sheetz and Hawkins Waechter.   

Velma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Francis in 1999; three sisters, Luvida in infancy, Violet, and Velda; and a brother Lee.   

A memorial fund has been established.

Rosary Thursday 9:15 a.m. February 15, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sigourney, visitation to follow until 11:00 a.m. 
 Funeral Mass Thursday 11:00 a.m. February 15, 2024 at St. Mary Catholic Church. 
 Burial Pleasant Grove Cemetery