Irma Louise Caroline Hurelbrink Obendorf Rohls, 100, of Versailles, died March 8, 2023, at River Terrace Health Campus, Madison. She was born June 16, 1922, in Dewberry, the daughter of Henry and Louise (Bokenkamp) Hurelbrink. Irma attended grades 1 through 8 in the one-room schoolhouse at Correct. She was a member of the 1940 graduating class of Versailles High School and went on to graduate from Christ Hospital School of Nursing, Cincinnati, OH, in 1943. On May 6, 1944, she married Arnold “Shorty” Obendorf at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Irma and Arnold had three children: Ellen, Kenneth, and Phyllis. Arnold preceded her in death in 1973. On February 26, 1994, Irma married Leonard Rohls at St. Paul Lutheran Church and he preceded her in death in 2017.
As a registered nurse, Irma’s career spanned more than 50 years where she held various jobs in the nursing field: industrial, hospital, private duty, and school nursing. Her career included working at Margaret Mary Hospital, Jefferson Proving Ground, Reliance Electric, and finally South Ripley School Corporation. She maintained her active nursing license until she was well into her 90s.
Irma was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Olean, for over 95 years and was the oldest member of the congregation. She was the first woman in the congregation to be elected to Church Council. Irma served as church organist, president of the women’s organization, Sunday School Superintendent, and sang soprano in the choir until the age of 80. In 2002, she started the Prayer Shawl ministry at Olean as a way to reach those who were in need of comfort. In addition to prayer shawls, she crocheted hundreds of blankets, hats, and IV covers for Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati.
Irma was an accomplished seamstress and baker. She was able to share her talents with others through making bridal party dresses, designing and making quilts, baking and decorating intricate wedding cakes for local couples, including her children.
As a resident of River Terrace Health Campus for the past year, Irma continued her active lifestyle. She participated in baking, crafting, outings with the “lunch bunch,” and rarely missed a bingo game. Irma always wanted to visit all 50 states during her lifetime. The staff at River Terrace assisted her in that dream by taking her on a trip to visit her 49th state at the age of 99.
Irma was known for her kind, giving heart and was always ready for her next adventure. She will be missed by so many in the community, but especially her family.
Irma is survived by her daughters Ellen (Dr. Bob) Mulford and Phyllis Armbrecht; daughter-in-law Susie Obendorf; grandchildren Shannon, Brian, Beth, Becky, Jennifer, Erin, and Michael; 15 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister Ruth Althoff; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husbands Arnold “Shorty” Obendorf and Leonard Rohls; brothers Robert and Ralph Hurelbrink; son Kenneth Obendorf; son-in-law Edward Armbrecht; and granddaughter Megan Mulford.
Services for Irma will be held, Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 3:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Olean, with Pastor Sue Socha presiding. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Improvement Fund of St. Paul Lutheran Church in care of the funeral home.