Obituary of Irma Kjosness

Biography Irma Lois (Kesler) Kjoness was born to Samuel Lewis and Martha Jane (Ingram) Kesler on August 14, 1913, in Matheson, Colorado, and was the only girl of six children born of this union. The Lord sent angels to bring her home on September 4, 2011. Irma grew up on a farm near River Bend, attended River Bend School through the 8th grade and then attended Limon High School, graduating at the age of sixteen in 1930. She continued her education at Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado, receiving her Teaching Certificate at the age of eighteen. In September 1931, Irma began her teaching career at the Einertson School northeast of Limon, Colorado. In the same month she met Arnold Theador Kjosness and their courtship began. Irma and Arnold were married on November 17, 1933, and to this union six children were born; Irma Kay, Theador Thomas, Arnold Thomas, twins Mary Dell and Martha Gail, and Denis Leigh. Irma was an active educator throughout her life. At various times between 1931 and 1953 she taught all elementary grades at the Einertson, Holmes, Olaf Norbye, and Flat Top one-room schools north of Limon, Colorado. From 1954 through 1975, she taught fifth and sixth grades in the Limon and Woodlin School Districts. In 1960, Irma received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and in 1965, a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Colorado State College in Greeley, Colorado. She was a volunteer educator at the Limon Alternative School and substitute teacher and tutor for many years after her retirement in 1975. Irma’s teaching career persevered during the Great American Depression, World War II, and all the activities associated with farming, ranching, and rearing children. Irma positively influenced countless students in Lincoln, Washington, and Elbert counties throughout her many years of teaching. Her influence on the educational system did not only include her students. Irma was an active member of the Legislative Committee of the Colorado Education Association, ensuring equality to rural schools throughout Colorado and defining rural school districts, many of which still remain in effect today. Her activities and accomplishments are countless and include: An active member of the Walks Camp Lutheran Church where she served in several positions to include the organist playing the pump organ, and later became an active member of the Zion Lutheran Church. She served several years as Secretary of the Prairie View School Board, was a 4-H leader for ten years, a member of Lincoln County Cattle-Women’s Association since 1950, and Board on Directors for Farmer’s Home Administration. She served on the Board of the Colorado East Community Action Agency for 13 years which developed the Nu-2-U Store in Limon, Colorado. Irma was one of the 13 original members who identified the need for a local senior citizen’s facility. She drafted the grant proposal for the former IOOF building which now houses the Limon Senior Center. In addition, she drafted the grant proposal to restore the Zion Lutheran Church building after damages sustained in the 1990 tornado. She helped coordinate the Norwegian Culture Exhibit at the Limon Heritage Museum where she served as a volunteer. She entertained the residents of the Prairie View and Lincoln Community Nursing Homes by playing the piano several times a month. In 1975, Irma was recognized as a member of MENSA, which is an elite organization of individuals with extraordinarily high IQ’s. In 1986, Irma received the highest award bestowed on farm women, the prestigious District VI Master Farm Homemaker award. The objective of this program is to create in the hearts and minds of all farm women of the state of Colorado a desire to give unselfish service to their family, community, state and nation. In 1996, Irma was recognized as the Limon High School elite alumni for her outstanding positive influence on education and the overall community. In 2001, Irma authored “My” River Bend, a reflective book of a life growing-up near River Bend that chronicles people, events and a lifestyle that existed on the Colorado plains more than seven decades ago. Irma was a: Wife, Mother, Grand Mother, Great-Grand Mother, Great-Great-Grandmother, Educator, Author, Artist, Mentor, Community Leader, Volunteer, and Friend to all she met. She was always mindful of and looking-out for others. She positively affected many lives of individuals who never knew her, but they are better off because Irma cared and took action. Irma was a strong believer in people and if given a chance… they will always try to do the ‘right-thing.’ Her mantra…”Always leave it better than you found it!” Irma was a lady with a kind heart and will be greatly missed by all her many, many friends she made wherever she went and by her family who she loved so much. Irma was preceded in death by her parents: Samuel Lewis and Martha Jane Kesler. Husband: Arnold Kjosness. Brothers: Elmer, Woodsie, Clive, Page and Ralph. Children: Kay, Teddy, and Mary. Daughter In-Law: Wilma (Whelden) Kjosness, and Grandson Kenneth. She is survived by three children: Arnold T. Kjosness (Carolyn) of Portage, Michigan, Martha Torline (Larry) of Lakewood, Colorado, and Denis Kjosness of Genoa, Colorado, and one son-in-law, Thomas G. Bender of Bellvue, Colorado, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, three nieces, six nephews, nine great nieces, six great nephews, 15 great-great nieces, and nine great-great nephews. Irma will be deeply missed by her family, friends, students, and the community.