Wilma Cargin

Wilma Jean Cargin, age 93, passed away on October 26, 2022, in West Bend, Iowa surrounded by her loving family after a short illness. Wilma lived a wonderful life and shared her passions for family, faith, laughter, and lifelong learning with all who knew her. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in West Bend. Services will be live streamed via this link: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/wilma-cargin. Burial will take place at the West Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in West Bend.
Wilma Jean Tokheim was born in Eagle Grove, Iowa on July 30, 1929, the beautiful daughter of Joseph and Junis Tokheim. Wilma was baptized in the Christian faith at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove where she enjoyed all aspects of the church, especially singing in the choir and performing as a soloist at various church functions. After graduating from Eagle Grove High School, Wilma began her college career at Waldorf College, Forest City, Iowa. She completed a two-year course in education, earned her State of Iowa teaching certificate and accepted a position as an elementary teacher in Rolfe, Iowa.
In 1951 Wilma met her future husband, Clad Cargin, while ice skating at The Grotto Pond in West Bend. They were married in Elk Point, South Dakota in 1952. To this marriage four children were born: Pat, Tom, Rich, and Bruce. Clad and Wilma later divorced, but always remained committed to their children.
When her children were old enough, Wilma returned to her chosen career as a public school teacher in West Bend, teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Wilma earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Mankato State University in 1987. Wilma loved all the children she taught and considered it her great honor and privilege to be part of their educational life. Wilma actively supported the West Bend/Mallard School District. She touched countless lives through her teaching and attendance at school activities, most notably Friday night football games.
Wilma honored her Christian faith through involvement with the United Methodist Church in West Bend, Iowa. She enjoyed singing in the choir, participation in evening circle, and UMW. Wilma was a member of Drama Club, and Beta Sigma Phi.
Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, brother Willard (Gladys) Tokheim, a sister Wanda Tokheim, grandson Timothy Cargin, and nephew Jon Jester.
Wilma is survived by her children Pat Cargin of Cedar Rapids; Tom (Connie) Cargin of Leawood, Kansas; Richard (Sharon) Cargin of Le Mars; and Bruce (Linda Burton) Cargin of Backus, MN. Her grandchildren Luke (Stephanie) Cargin, Levi (Libby) Cargin, Sarah Cargin, Alex (Anna) Cargin, Steven Cargin, Leah Cargin, and Maggie (McKenzie) Cargin. She leaves behind 7 great grandchildren (with the eighth due in March 2023), her nephew Steven Jester of Le Mars, and her niece Robin Naylor of Sydney, New York.