Erma Wekesser

Erma June Wekesser lived a life full of love, faith, and devotion to family. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. Erma had a passion for sports and especially enjoyed watching football, a pastime that brought her joy throughout her life.

Born May 10, 1938, to Alfred and Esther Eggerling in Milford, Nebraska, Erma was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in rural Milford. She attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse, District 64 in Seward, and graduated from Seward High School in 1955.

After graduation, Erma moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where she worked as a bookkeeper for Gold & Company. In 1958, she met the love of her life, Ronald Wekesser, and they were united in marriage on October 25, 1958. Together, they raised four children: Michael Lee (Carol), Mark Allen, Debra Jo (Charlie), and Donna Rae (Rocky).

Once all four children were in school, Erma began working for Montgomery Ward, where she dedicated 18 years of service. In 1976, Ron and Erma made a life-changing decision to follow their passion and purchased Wakanda Resort in Becker County, Minnesota. For 27 years, they worked side by side, creating a welcoming retreat for guests while enjoying the beauty of lakeside living. As patrons of the resort, they made many friends and, after retirement, traveled with several of them, building memories that lasted a lifetime.

In 2000, they sold the resort and embraced retirement, traveling on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean and making cherished visits to Branson, Missouri. Erma remained active in her later years, quilting with friends at Immanuel Lutheran Church and working in the employee kitchen at Lakeshirts in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota—brightening the workplace with her warmth until the age of 83. At that point, she transitioned to full-time caretaker for Ron as his health declined, demonstrating her enduring devotion.

Erma was blessed with eleven grandchildren: Grant (Marissa), Erik (Alexandra), and Alex Wekesser; Anthony (Kalli) Bruhn and Amber (Chace) Conley; Aaron (Elena), Makayla (Pete), and Megan Fry; and six great-grandchildren: Jettson Conley; Bentley, Decker, Beckham, and Lennon Bruhn; and Hailey Fry.

She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, strong values, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Ronald Wekesser; parents, Alfred and Esther Eggerling; two brothers, Ralph and Marlin Eggerling, and sisters-in-law Pat and Betty Eggerling; and son-in-law, Charlie Fry.

Erma’s life was a beautiful example of grace, generosity, and love. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of those who knew her.