Irma Keller

Irma Paula Keller, 100, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Nov. 16, 1919, in Tilsit daughter of Henry George and Matilda Werner Voss.

Her family moved to Cape Girardeau, where she attended Trinity Lutheran School and was the salutatorian of her eighth-grade class. She graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1938 and attended Southeast Missouri State University and completed a teaching certificate.

Irma and Paul William Keller were married May 17, 1945, in Gordonville. She was a devoted mother and wife, working beside her husband in the operation and financial management of the family farm and Keller Repair Shop for many years.

She was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Gordonville where she was a Sunday school teacher for more than 50 years. Those who knew her will remember her for her excellent homemade bread and coffee cake; the way she would recite the German proverbs she had learned from her mother and grandmother with a gentle smile; and, above all, her faith in her Lord Jesus.

She loved to sew, embroider, crochet and was proud of her garden and canned goods. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her greatest pride.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Truman Voss, who died as a child; a sister, Gertrude Heider; a brother, Henry C. Voss, a daughter, Cheryl Wallgren, and a grandson, Nicholas Dordoni.

Survivors include a son-in-law, Thomas Wallgren of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Iris (Randy Davidson) Dordoni of Cape Girardeau; a son, Timothy (Vilma) Keller of St. Charles, Missouri; five grandchildren, Charles (Brandi) Wallgren, Benjamin, Joseph (Taylor) and Daniel Dordoni, Kevin Keller; and two great-grandchildren, Oliver Thomas Wallgren and Dahlia Annalyze Dordoni.

Due to the pandemic, there will be no visitation.

Graveside rites will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery south of Gordonville (176 Co Rd 226, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701).

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Zion Lutheran Church, 176 Co Rd 226, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.