ALMQUIST, Irma Joyce (Pacey) 1913-2014
ALMQUIST, PACEY, DECKER
Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 10/28/2014 at 16:16:38
Irma Almquist
(Died October 27, 2014)
Irma Joyce Almquist, age 101, of Osage, Iowa, died Monday, October 27, 2014, at the Faith Home in Osage.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014, at the United Church of Christ in Osage with Pastor Charles Owens officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage.
Irma Joyce Pacey was born October 25, 1913, on a farm in Union Township near Stacyville, Iowa, the daughter of Fred and Martha (Decker) Pacey. She was baptized as an infant in the Union Presbyterian Church near Stacyville, Iowa. As a child, she lived on a farm in Mower County, Minnesota, until moving to Osage with her parents in 1920. She attended school in Osage and graduated from Osage High School. After graduation, she worked for various Osage businesses until joining the local telephone exchange as a telephone operator in the early 1930’s. She joined the Osage Congregational Church on April 1, 1934, with her parents, Fred and Martha Pacey.
Irma Joyce Pacey and Delmar E. Almquist were married at the Fred Pacey home on Maple Street on April 17, 1936. Their entire married life was spent in Osage, Iowa. During the early years of her marriage, she remained wife, mother, Cub Scout den mother, band mother, supporter of Osage High School athletic programs, school parent for plays and PTA functions, hospital volunteer, etc.
In 1946, Irma and Delmar purchased a half interest in the Kane Rexall Drug Store in Osage and later in 1954 purchased Mr. Kane’s interest and the store became Almquist’s Rexall Drug. Irma assumed an active role in the drug store to manage the cosmetics and gifts sections. Before the drug store was sold in 1968, Irma and Del became known as the “fair and reliable” merchants on Main Street and were so recognized as “Merchants of the Year.”
Many will remember Irma from her cheers during Osage athletic events; it did not matter to her what event or if it was junior or senior high school, she was there. Her activities in this area gained her recognition as “Fan of the Year” from the Osage Booster Club.
Irma was a member of Eastern Star. She was active in the community as a volunteer and in her church, the United Church of Christ, serving on various committees and as a deaconess for several years. Irma will also be remembered for her wonderful memory of Osage history. She was often sought after for her knowledge of the changes in our community and her unique ability to recall dates and activities of happenings in Osage.
Mrs. Almquist is survived by her son, David Almquist and his wife, Marita of Rockville, Maryland, and their three children, Stephanie (Ed) Suhler, Michael (Sumi) Almquist and Timothy (Brooks) Almquist, and their eight grandchildren, Caitlyn, Austin, Charlie, Griffin, Raven, Kira, Ava and Ashley; her son, Nevin Almquist and his wife, Jean of Sedalia, Missouri, and their two children, Kevin (Suzanne) Almquist and Denise Almquist, and their four grandchildren, Jude, Josie, Grant and Liam. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, many friends and her favorite sport team: the girls and coaches of the OHS Girls Volleyball Team.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delmar Almquist in 2000; and sister, Eunice Canny.
Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements, (641)732-3706.
Source: Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home website
Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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