Jirsa, Elma

Elma Jirsa passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday morning, March 5, 2010. She was a resident of Hawthorne Inn at Windmill Pointe in Coralville for the past several years.

Elma deeded her body to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Washington Township Schools, 1592 Angle Road SW, Kalona, 52247. Lensing Funeral Service in Iowa City is handling arrangements.

Elma Irene Emde was born September 1, 1919 in Wellman, the youngest child of Everett and Lauretta (King) Emde. She attended local country schools and upon graduating went on to earn her teaching certificate. She taught country school for 15 years.

On August 15, 1948, Elma was united in marriage to Charles “Bud” Jirsa in Maquoketa, Iowa. They made their home south of Wellman where they raised their three sons, Rick, Randy and Danny. Elma continued on with her education, attending the University of Iowa and then graduating from William Penn. She taught at Washington Township School for 17 years before her retirement. When asked about her years of teaching she would fondly say that she enjoyed recess as much as the children!

Elma is survived by her sons Rick of Iowa City and Dan (Chris) of Wellman; three grandchildren, Danyelle Jirsa-Naylor (Mike) and Alissa Ehrenfelt (Brad), all of Wellman, and Randy Jirsa (Leah) of Iowa City; seven great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Isabella and Jackson Naylor, Parker and Hudson Ehrenfelt and Sophia and Moses Jirsa; sister-in-law, Rosemary Olson of Kalona; nephew, Robert Emde of Iowa City; and special friend Mary Greiner of Kalona.

Preceding her in death were her son Randy K. Jirsa, husband Charles “Bud” Jirsa, brother Boyd Emde, sister Norma Aswell and her parents.

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