Irma Schlabach

Irma Wahlman Schlabach, 92, of Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck, formerly of Driscoll, passed away October 12, 2015, peacefully with her family at her side. Services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, October 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Rebecca Aardahl officiating. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Friday, October 16, at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. Irma was born June 18, 1923, at Sibley Butte Township, north of Sterling, the daughter of Dan and Alma (Eskeli) Wahlman. She was raised in Sterling where she attended school and graduated from Sterling High School, receiving many medals in track and basketball. She married Rex Schlabach on June 19, 1943, and they had four children. Irma was very talented and athletic. She made ice rinks for her children and organized baseball teams for Pee Wee and Babe Ruth. She enjoyed life and was involved in many community events. She was very active in Grace Lutheran Church helping with bazars, Luther League, and events in the Driscoll/Sterling Communities. Irma was employed as a clerk in the Driscoll Post Office and as a bank teller. She was very proud of her Finnish heritage and her love of the "sauna." Irma is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Vernon Martell; her sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Starla Schlabach, and Leonard and Kathy Schlabach; eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; one brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Mary Wahlman; one sister, Wilma Jodsaas; and sisters-in-law, Barb Ness and Jan Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Schlabach; her son, Ross Schlabach and daughter-in-law, Shirley Schlabach. Irma will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The family wishes to say a special thank-you to the medical staff at CHI St. Alexius Medical Center on the Medical and Telemetry Units, Valley View, and Missouri Slope Nursing Home. - See more at: http://www.eastgatefuneral.com/obituary/Irma-Schlabach/Bismarck-ND/1551471#sthash.X1hPxf5z.dpuf