Wilma Helen Clara (Bohling) Geyer, one of five children of John W. and Mary (Rogge) Bohling, was born December 17, 1931, near Johnson, Nebraska. Wilma was baptized January 3, 1932, by Pastor Fruehling, and was confirmed June 9, 1946, on Pentecost Sunday at St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church by Pastor Wiebke. Wilma’s confirmation verse was Psalm 37:5.
Wilma attended Rohrs Country School and then graduated from Auburn High School. She then attended Peru State College and received her teaching certificate. Wilma taught for three years at Center School near Johnson. While teaching she stayed with Louie and Lydia Speckmann in their home.
On June 26, 1952, Wilma married Mervin R. Geyer at St. Paul (Hickory Grove) Lutheran Church by Pasto Kolm. They lived on a farm north of Humboldt, Nebraska, and were blessed with three children: Lynn M., Jana L., and Elisabeth A. They were married 67 years until Mervin’s death on February 20, 2020.
A member of St. James Lutheran Church near Humboldt, Wilma was active in the church circle, sewing group, as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher, and sang in the choir.
Wilma started decorating cakes in the early 1960’s and was known for her “Wilma cakes”. She and her daughter Jana started Wooden Spoon Catering in 1987 and involved the family to help. Wilma was active as a farm wife, had a large garden, and loved cooking and baking. She also enjoyed traveling while Mervin was alive.
She belonged to an extension club, was a 4-H leader, and for many years helped with the Richardson County Fair coronation committee and the food department.
Wilma became a resident of Colonial Acres in Humboldt early in 2021. She passed away there on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the age of 91 years, 11 months, and 10 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Mervin R. Geyer, son Lynn M. Geyer, parents John W. and Mary (Rogge) Bohling, parents-in-law Robert and Lillie (Fritsch) Geyer, brother and sister-in-law Vern and Carol Bohling, sister and brother-in-law Berneice and Evert Boeck, and sisters Vera Plager and Marlene Alberts.
Wilma is survived by her daughters and their spouses Jana and Dave Wheeler of Stella, Beth and Deon Griffith of Topeka, KS; grandchildren Dustin and Mariana Anderson, Dru Anderson, Lucas Geyer and fiancé Jessica Melcher, Cassidy and Billy Lotter, Lacee and Adam Noa; great-grandchildren Chaelee, Brynlee, Quinn, Everly, Cole, and Kyler; brothers-in-law Richard Plager of Humboldt, Eiber Alberts of Auburn; other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held Friday, December 1, 2023, at St. James Lutheran (Long Branch) Church near Humboldt, officiated by Revs. Paul Lillenas and Roger Hoffman. Carolyn Hahn played accompaniment for congregational hymns and a solo by Allyn Remmers. Dustin Anderson, Dru Anderson, Lucas Geyer, Adam Noa, Billy Lotter, and Caleb Howe served as casket bearers. Flower attendants were Cassidy Lotter, Lacee Noa, Mariana Anderson, and Jessica Melcher. Burial followed in St. James Lutheran Cemetery.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.
