Thelma Ireland Obituary

Watertown, WI - Thelma L. Ireland, 94, peacefully passed away on August 29, 2025.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Watertown, WI on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11 a.m. with Fr. David Drefcinski officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at the church starting at 9 a.m. until the time of the service. A private family burial will be held at La Belle Cemetery in Oconomowoc, WI at a later date. Memorials, if desired, can be donated to St. Bernard's Catholic Church or a charity of one's choice. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.

Thelma Lorena Pockelwald was born on March 30, 1931, to Walter and Lorena (Grulke) Pockelwald on their family farm in Oconomowoc, WI. She was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Ashippun, WI. Thelma was a 1949 graduate of Oconomowoc High School.

On June 3, 1950, Thelma was united in marriage to Raymond P. Ireland at St. Catherine's Church in Mapleton, WI. Thelma was a devoted homemaker for many years and lovingly raised their nine children. Later, she worked as a CNA at Marquardt Manor and sewing advisor at Nancy's Notions in Beaver Dam, WI, retiring at the age of 76. Thelma had a heart for service. She volunteered as a project judge at the Dodge and Dane County Fairs, and gave her time to the Watertown Regional Medical Center and the Highland House.

Thelma was passionate about sewing and took great pride in her many projects, including quilting, crocheting, knitting and cross-stitching . She often took trips with family to explore new places and enjoy time together. She enjoyed spending time with her high school classmates, affectionately known as the "49ers." Thelma was very active in St Bernard's and St Henry's choir and The Euterpe Chorus. Thelma deeply loved her family and never missed sending a birthday card to celebrate her loved ones.

Thelma is survived by her children, Daniel Ireland, Kathleen (Thomas) Temperly, Kenneth (Judith) Ireland, Mark (Joyce) Ireland, Patrick (Lynn) Ireland, Mary (James) Wendt, Carol (Scott) Quest, Anne (Thomas) Caine, and James Ireland; grandchildren, Andrew (Becky) Temperly, David (Tracy) Ireland, Eric (Annette) Ireland, Kelly (Edward) Ireland-Rembert, Anthony (Katie) Ireland, Amber (Ben) Enstad, Jasen (Lindsay) Wendt, Nicholas Wendt, Veronica (Joshua) Wellmann, Adam (Kellie) Quest, Noah Quest, Cassandra Caine (Jacob) Yandre, Danielle (Jacob) Zess, and Stephanie Neuman; 21 great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Loretta Fieder and Therese Ireland; as well as other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond P. Ireland; parents, Walter and Lorena Pockelwald; siblings, Shirley (Norman) Bartel, Edward Pockelwald; and daughter-in-law, Bobette Ireland.

Her family thanks The View Assisted Living Facility and Rainbow Hospice for their care, love and respect to our mother and family.