Wilma M. Roesler, 87, of rural Minnesota Lake, died on Monday, Aug. 27, 2007, at the New Richland Care Center in New Richland after having an encounter with both cancer and peripheral neuropathy. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Wells United Methodist Church with the Rev. Art Keith officiating. Burial will be in Dunbar Memorial Cemetery, Minnesota Lake Township, Faribault Co.

The family will meet family and friends at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells from 4 to 7 p.m.today and one hour before services at the church.

Wilma M. Roesler was born May 11, 1920, to Robert and Jenny Schwendemann of St. James. She attended District 19, Watonwan County and graduated from St. James High School in 1938. She later attended the Minnesota School of Agriculture, St. Paul. She had been employed at the St. James Hospital and the Wells Municipal Hospital.

She married Ralph A. Roesler of Waldorf on June 22, 1941. She was a member of the Wells United Methodist Church and as a devoted mother and homemaker, she also served as Sunday school teacher and on several church boards. Being an active member of the UMW and its program, she was a representative of the southeast District Board and also a member of the Emma Norton Residence in St. Paul. She was a member of the Waseca County Extension Clubs in Waseca County. One of her most rewarding experiences was serving 32 patients and their families in 10 years of service with Waseca Area Hospice.

In her relaxing hours, she enjoyed doing all kinds of needlework, flower gardening and her free lance writing. She enjoyed people and having them as guests in her home. She also belonged to the Up and Coming Extension group, Town and Country Birthday Club, The Red Hat Society and 4 plus 1 coffee group.

She leaves her four children: Marlene Wasmoen and husband Tom of Albert Lea, Robert and wife Marlene Ann of Sherburn, Neil of rural Minnesota Lake, and Gene and wife Sally of rural Waldorf; seven grandchildren: Derik and (Bobbi) Piechowski, Michael and (Val) Piechowski, Michelle and (Daniel) Marchand, Shanna and (Kirk) McElwain, Ryan Roesler, Gregory and (Barb) Roesler and Adam Roesler; eight great-grandchildren: Torry, Roxi, Summer, Garret, Emma, Aaron, Ralph and George; five step-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are a sister, Dorothy Devens of St. James, and sister-in-law, Glendoris Roesler of Wells, along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ralph and son-in- law, Dennis Piechowski.