Obituary: Erma Wiszmann

 Erma Jean Wiszmann, age 94, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 at Oakwood Gardens of Ridgecrest Village in Davenport, Iowa. Erma was born to Mathias and Hermina (Krejci) Wiszmann, the sixth of seven children, on October 3, 1930.

Erma graduated from Exeter Public High School in May 1948. She then moved to Davenport, Iowa and was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in October 1948. After the Bell System divestiture, Erma continued her employment, working for AT&T from 1984 through October 1995.

During her working years within the telephone industry, Erma became a union activist for 40 years, serving 25 years as the local union president.

While never attaining a college degree, she attended many labor schools and various college courses. Erma became a voracious reader of fiction, politics, archeology, social justice, and adventure.
As a union and community activist, Erma served on various community boards and commissions. In addition, Erma had several interests. She participated in several archeological digs and tours of discovery. Erma also volunteered at The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center. She loved traveling to have a better understanding of all facets of culture and scenic wonders. She enjoyed walking and hiking.

After retiring, Erma became involved in volunteer work. Her priority was tutoring in elementary schools. She spent many years in Junior Achievement as a consultant. She also spent volunteer time at the Wapsi Nature Center as a host or interpreter for groups of school children. A proud achievement for Erma was to get her courage to handle the Fox snake when helping with programs at the nature center. Other volunteer work was with the Catholic Diocese of Davenport and The United Way.

Erma was a member of many organizations: Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, Communications Workers of America, the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center, and the Democratic Party. Erma was a Union Member and a PROUD Democrat!

Erma was never one to resist the opportunity for offering advice. Her final advice to everyone: “Make lifetime learning a habit. Learn about and study issues and the needs around you!!!!”

Preceding Erma in death were her mother and father; her brothers James and Harold; her sisters Mary Francis Wiszmann, Ruth Wiszmann Goergen and Leona Wiszmann Ickes.

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Bud and Alice Wiszmann and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.