Wilma Florence Nephew, 72, of Fertile, MN, died on Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home, Fertile, MN. She was born on September 23, 1943, to Wilbur and Florence (Butler) Rhode at Thief Rivers Falls, MN. Wilma attended Erskine Public School, Erskine, MN, graduating in 1961.

On November 10, 1962, Wilma was united in marriage to Lloyd Nephew at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN. Over the years, Wilma cooked and waitressed in just about every restaurant in town. At one time or another, Wilma has probably served every person in Fertile. She worked at Town n Country Restaurant, the Wagon Wheel Café, Ila's Hotel and Restaurant, Mac's Cafe and, most recently, at the Erickson's Smoke House. Wilma thoroughly enjoyed her work and appreciated the opportunity to serve. In 1988, Wilma graduated from UMC, Crookston, MN, with an accounting degree. Shortly after her graduation, their daughter, Jenny, was diagnosed with cancer and Wilma cared for her until her passing on October 17, 1990. On December 11, 1994, Lloyd passed away at home. Wilma continued to live in Fertile at her home until she became ill and needed care. Wilma was a long time member of Concordia Lutheran Church, where she served with the ladies' groups.

As a wife, mom and grandmother, Wilma revealed her loving nature. She was patient, understanding and had unconditional love for her family. She collected elephants, and took thousands of pictures of anything that caught her creative eye. Family trips to California were a two way adventure, stopping at all the sights. She enjoyed reading and travel magazines, as well as collecting Disney movies. Crafts were made to display at home and give as gifts to family and friends. Wilma appreciated all kinds of animals and had many pets over the years. Her last dog, named King, was one of her favorites and had to be given away as her health declined. Wilma will be missed by all who knew her.

Wilma is survived by her children: Diane (Mic) Zarling, Moorhead, MN; Willard "Willy" (Linda), Crookston, MN; Danny (Diann), San Diego, CA; and Kevin (Jessie), Fertile; grandchildren: Melissa (Jay) Chandler and Derek Zarling, both Moorhead, Bethany, Ariel, and Rossalyn Nephew, Crookston, Tasha, Nikita, Brittany and Cody Nephew, San Diego, CA, and Ivan Nephew, Fertile; 15 great-grandchildren; her mother, Florence Rhode, Modesto, CA; siblings: Donna Whisant, Hemet, CA, Darlene Davis, Modesto, CA, David Rhode and Diane Jones, both of Thief River Falls, MN, Steve Rhode, Red Lake Falls, MN, Mary Colbert, Thief River Falls, MN; several cousins, nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her father, Wilbur, husband, Lloyd, daughter, Jenny, grandson, Anthony Zarling, great-granddaughter, Hannah Chandler, brothers: Richard Rhode and Leslie Rhode.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, May 5, 2016, at 11 AM in the Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 4, 2016, from 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM in the Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.

Burial will be in the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.