Irma Marie Wanitschke

Irma Marie (Curlile) Wanitschke, of Derby, Kansas, was born May 16, 1929, on a farm near Oconto, Nebraska, to Maurice and Marie Curile. She grew up in Nebraska with her siblings and graduated from Ansley High School in 1946. Irma earned a teaching certificate and taught for three years in rural one-room schools, where she taught students from first through eighth grade.

Irma met her future husband, Charles “Chuck” Wanitschke, while teaching at her first rural school. After two years of courtship, they were married on July 3, 1948. Together they raised two daughters, Peggy Ann and Connie Jean. The couple lived and worked in Nebraska before moving to Denver, Colorado, in 1955. During her 25 years in Denver, she worked at the Denver Post. They returned to Grand Island, Nebraska, where Irma worked in the Trust Department at Commercial Bank and later at Community College, from which she eventually retired. Chuck preceded her in death in 2006.

Faith and learning were central to Irma’s life. She graduated from Faith Bible College in Denver in 1975 and remained deeply interested in biblical studies, Israel, and Jewish heritage. She studied the Torah for six years through First Fruits of Zion and went on to teach Torah for an additional six years. She was also a leader in Aglow International for approximately 20 years, serving in local and state leadership and as a State Prayer Coordinator. She organized prayer conferences and spoke at many chapters throughout her years of service. After moving to Derby, she became a member of South Rock Christian Church, where she served as a Stephen Minister and taught at the Avita Senior Center.

Irma relocated to Derby in 2009 to be closer to her daughter and family. She remained active in Bible studies, prayer meetings, teaching, and ministry throughout her later years. She loved research, especially biblical topics, and was passionate about sharing what she learned with others.

Irma’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her two daughters, Peggy Ann (Leon) Johnston and Connie Jean (Larry) Cody; grandchildren, Deyna (Justin) Smith, Jeremy (Kristin) Johnston, Jason (Jessica) Johnston, Shawn (Marsha) Cody, Alisha Cody (Chad Granda), Alyssa (Michel) Hagmann, and Erin (Brian) Skyles; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Hadley, Hudson, Harper, Jeter, Jonah, Jocelyn, Jovey, Jemma, Joshua, Shannon, Meghan, Katiegh, Miles, Caden, Trevor, Ezra, and Alynna; great-great-grandson, Carter. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Swanson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Wanitschke; her parents, Maurice and Marie Curile; and several siblings.

Irma lived a life devoted to her family, her faith, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched and the generations of family who loved her.

Memorial contributions may be made to South Rock Christian Church

Public viewing will be held Thursday, August 13th, 2026 from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Smith Family Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Rd., Derby, KS 67037. 

A graveside service will be held Friday, August 14th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Cedar View Cemetery, 1051 Cedarview Rd., Doniphan, NE 68832, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. at Rosendale United Methodist Church, 6980 W. Rosedale Rd., Doniphan, NE 68832.