Wilma K. Blessman

Wilma Katherine (Bishop) Blessman Hardesty, 93, of 508 E. Main, Havana, Illinois died October 11, 2023 at The Lodge in Manito where she had been a resident for the past five years. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 16 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana with the Reverend Ian Heinze officiating. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service beginning at 12:30. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery near Snicarte.

Wilma was born August 12, 1930, on her family’s farm at rural Bath, Illinois to Edward and Olga Horstman Bishop. She graduated from Bath/Lynchburg High School in 1948. On May 28, 1950, she was married to Russell L. Blessman by her grandfather, Reverend J.F.W. Horstman, at St. John’s Lutheran Church near Bath and Russell preceded her in death on September 26, 1992. On November 17, 2001, she married Bill Hardesty, who died April 18, 2008. She is survived by three children, Kathy (Steve) Culverhouse of Racine, Wisconsin, Mike (Terri) Blessman of Canton, and Bill (Linda) Blessman of Havana. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Sherry (Joshua) Kirkes, Lisa (Brandon) Painter, Nathan (Cady) Blessman, and Nicole Blessman, along with nine great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert, of Bloomington, Illinois.
Wilma was a talented seamstress, doing dressmaking and alterations for many years, including making new majorette and pom pom squad uniforms for the Havana High School Band in 1970 and altering many cheerleading and sports uniforms over the years. She also made dresses for homecomings, proms, and weddings for family and friends. When first married, Wilma and Russell farmed in Lynchburg Township before moving to Havana in 1961, when Wilma went to work for the federal Agricultural and Stabilization Conservation office, where she worked for several years. She also enjoyed shopping for and collecting antiques, attending sporting events of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and traveling. She loved the holidays and decorating, and always made those occasions special for members of her family. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Havana and was active in the Altar Guild, the Charitable Endeavor Society, and the choir.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mason District Hospital in Havana. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.