Wilma Gorham Eppen

Wilma Gorham Eppen, age 79, of Elkton, Minnesota, passed peacefully into her eternal rest on November 22, 2024. Wilma was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, New York. After graduating from high school, she embarked on a varied and fascinating life journey that included many different jobs and adventures. She worked on cruise ships in the Caribbean and Baltic Seas. She worked as a flight attendant for TWA. She eventually relocated to California where she graduated with honors from the University of California at Berkely with a degree in Sociology. She again worked at a variety of jobs including as a probation officer, but her first love and what she truly excelled at was as a teacher. She taught various age levels in several different schools, but she especially loved teaching first and second graders and seemed to be able to form a special connection with that age level. 

On November 23, 1990, Wilma was united in marriage to Dean Eppen. In 1998, the couple relocated from California to Maine. Wilma loved her time in Maine. She especially enjoyed the autumn colors in New England, and she spent many hours combing the beaches collecting sea glass, seashells, and anything else that caught her interest. Unfortunately, Wilma’s later years were marred by the devastating progression of multiple sclerosis and other health issues, and she became increasingly debilitated. It’s a blessing and a comfort to know that her years of pain and struggling have come to an end. 

In 2015, Wilma and Dean relocated to Elkton, Minnesota where Wilma spent her final years. 

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mabel Gorham; sister, Rachel; and sister-in-law, Mary. She is survived by her husband, Dean; sister, Linda (Verne) Childs; brother, Bill Gorham; and a special niece/close friend, Candy McCoy. She is also survived by many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members whom she cherished. 

Those who knew Wilma will miss her unique sense of humor and her interesting and entertaining stories. But most importantly her life was defined by a strong Christian faith and her empathy and compassion for others. She was always quick to volunteer to serve others in church and community functions when she was able. One of her favorite and oft-quoted Bible passages was from the book of Isaiah when God was seeking someone to serve and Isaiah replied, “Here am I. Send me.” These are words that Wilma lived by and will be remembered by. 

A service of remembrance and praise to God for a life well lived will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.