The Life of WILMA ANNETTE TESDALL RUPPERT
September 29, 1923 - February 20, 2013
Born in the Norwegian community of Huxley, Iowa, Wilma was the third generation of immigrants from Etna, Norway, to settle there, a heritage she was always proud of. Wilma was the youngest child born to Burton and Helen (Nessa) Tesdall. She had four older brothers: Mervin, Kenneth, Arnold, and Herbert. Graduating from Huxley High School in 1941, Wilma and her classmates have remained close lifelong friends.
Wilma married Joseph Earl Ruppert, Sr., on May 22, 1942, and moved to Des Moines, where she worked as a welder at Solar Aircraft during WWII. Her position, as for so many women during wartime, became widely known as “Rosie the Riveter.” From this union six children were born.
Preceding her in death were Joseph Earl Ruppert, Sr.; children: Rene Jolene Ruppert and Joseph Earl Ruppert, Jr.; grandsons: Robert Pearson and Aron Handeland; and a great-granddaughter, Sarah Wing. Wilma is survived by her remaining children: Nancy (Chris) Canterbury, Canon City CO, Edward (Martha) Ruppert, Ames IA, Sharon (Ruppert) Handeland, Dexter IA, and Lyle (Savouen) Ruppert, Longmont CO. Wilma has been blessed with 21 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Wilma was buried Friday, February 22, at Highland Memory Gardens in Des Moines, alongside her baby, Rene. She will be greatly missed.
