Wilma Cecelia (Schmidling) Kirchner, 96, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, a faithful servant of our Lord, went to her heavenly home on December 14, 2022.
Wilma was born on September 16, 1926, at home in Nortonville, Kansas to Leo and Cecelia (Schneider) Schmidling. She grew up on farms in Eastern Kansas, and always preferred being outside working with her dad and doing farm chores. When her two older brothers joined the service in World War II, she was left to do the milking morning and night, before and after school.
Wilma attended Easton High School in Easton, Kansas, where she was a star defensive basketball player. Her basketball skills were outshined only by her stylish raven hair and bright red lipstick. After passing the civil service exam, she graduated early and immediately went to work at Fort Leavenworth, an important World War II induction center. There she met a handsome young Army sergeant who became the love of her life.
Wilma married Harold W. Kirchner on April 3, 1945 at St. Joseph’s of the Valley. Just as the Kansas sunflower tracks the sun from east to west, Wilma moved with Harold west to Alliance, Nebraska. They were blessed with eight children, who became their pride and joy. Wilma held multiple accounting and bookkeeping positions including roles at the United Transportation Union and the Alliance Consumers Co-op. After the death of her husband, she moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska to spend the rest of her days close to family.
Wilma was always a Kansas girl, but by her own account she had a good life in Nebraska. It’s not for everyone, but it was for Wilma. She was an avid Huskers volleyball and football fan, but not of Coach Mike Riley. She enjoyed bridge, reading, and square dancing. Wilma was an active member of the Catholic Church, serving as a lay associate of the Order of Franciscans, a member of Holy Rosary Altar Society in Alliance, and numerous bible studies. In the course of raising her children, she served as a 4-H leader, Bluebird Troop Leader, and Cub Scout Den leader. She was a member of P.E.O. in Alliance and Scottsbluff.
Wilma is preceded in death by many loved ones including both parents, husband Harold, daughter Linda, three brothers, and son-in-law Steven Wilkinson. She is survived by seven children: son Joseph (Patti) Kirchner of Twin Falls, Idaho; son David (Karen Hynek) Kirchner of Chandler, Arizona; daughter Constance Kirchner of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; son Robert (Karie) Kirchner of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter Sandra (Mark) Butcher of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; daughter Sally (Mark) Brittan of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter Jill (John) Manchester of Chicago, Illinois; sister Darlyne Pape of Boise, Idaho; as well as 18 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.
The Kansas sunflowers Wilma grew up with are a symbol of the life she led. She was the perpetual optimist, soaking up the goodness life offered, brightening the lives of those around her, and shining as a vibrant beacon of faith, hope, and love.
Services will be held after the holidays, with a rosary on Friday, January 6th, at 7:00 pm, and a Mass celebrating her life on Saturday, January 7th, at 10:00 am. Both will be at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Scottsbluff. Private graveside services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Alliance.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Valley Christian Neighbors In Need, care of St Agnes Catholic Church or the Lied Scottsbluff Public Library. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements, and online condolences for the family may be left at www.dugankramer.com