Irma Louise Kiehn

Irma Louise Kiehn was born on Sept. 28, 1934, in Putnam County Missouri, to George and Nellie (Quint) Medlin and passed away on August 13, 2024. She was the oldest of 3 girls who worked alongside their mom and dad on the farm. Irma attended first the Lonestar and then the Friendship rural schools until 8th grade. She went to Livonia High School and graduated at the age of 16. She went on to graduate (summa cum laude) from Hannibal-Lagrange college and Westmar College, the latter being where she met and married her husband Niel Kiehn who was from Colorado. Irma and Niel had two children: Kathy and Shawn. Kathy was born while they were still living in Iowa and Shawn was born at the site of Niels’ first teaching job in Colorado. The couple would live in Iowa, Colorado, California, and Wyoming during their 53- year marriage.

While Niel was teaching and coaching, Irma was a full-time mom, part time school and/or church secretary, and substitute teacher. When Irma and Niel moved to California for the last time, after the kids were married and gone, she became the VP of Human Resources for an international company. Upon retiring, Irma and Niel moved to Exeter California. Irma continued to be busy, as an election worker, church pianist, volunteer with the Pink Ladies of the Exeter Community Service Guild (including a couple of stints as President), grandma and great grandma.

Irma is survived by her children Kathy Gates (David), Shawn Kiehn (Edna); her grandchildren David Gates (Laura), Niel Gates, Matthew Gates and Yuri Kiehn; and her great grandchildren Liliana Gates, Asher Gates and Niel E Gates.

We know she is with her Lord today but grieve because we will miss her very much.  We are also confident we will see her in heaven. The memorial service will be at Rocky Hill Church in Exeter, 237 South “E” Street, on Aug 30th at 11AM.  Any flowers may be sent to: Smith Family Chapel, 505 East Pine Street, Exeter, CA 93221.

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