Wilma H. Haugen, age 87, Brandon, SD, died on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor, in Sioux Falls, SD.
Wilma wished for no services. She has donated her body to the USD School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD, to further teach the medical field.
Wilma Harriett Riggs was born on May 14, 1938, in Cumberland, MD, to Russell Charles and Ida Mae (Petit) Riggs. She was one of several children; a life she would share in a few bits and pieces.
Wilma married Jim Varilek in February 1964 and soon had a daughter, Anna, and son, Frank. Throughout her life she worked many jobs in Yankton; Gambles, Human Services Center, Home Hospice Aide, Yankton Liquor Store, Tobacco Road, Wonder Bread, Walbaum Drug and Ahern Drug.
A kinder, gentler woman, there has never been. Truthful and honest were her life motto, and Wilma raised her children with those same traits.
Wilma married her second husband, Palmer Haugen, in July 1995, and found true love. Together they spent great times traveling to see grandchildren, Jason and Sara, and babysitting now and then. They enjoyed their time together. Palmer would shower her with roses and sweet nothings through their time together. She lost him in August 2006. In November 2008, her son passed.
In September 2009, Wilma moved from Yankton to Brandon to be with Anna and the family. As time passed, she battled diabetes, heart disease, broken bones, countless doctor appointments, constant and countless medications and tests.
Wilma suffered a heart attack in March 2024, and she said, “No more. No tests, no treatments, just no more.” She came to Good Samaritan Luther Manor under Hospice Care and adjusted well to her new family and caretakers. She rallied and graduated from the specialized care and they even threw her a party. Though in December 2025, she was readmitted to her devoted team.
Mama and I have shared so many journeys together, but this one is meant only for her. I love you, more than anything or anyone in my world. The reunion awaiting you, mama, at your new home will be amazing. You won’t miss where you’ve been but will rejoice in the fields of the Lord and wait for all of us to join you one day, in each, our own time. I will forever feel your kiss on my cheek. I love you, mama. Always and forever.
Wilma is survived by her daughter, Anna (Jon) Nadenicek; grandson, Jason (Casey) Nadenicek; granddaughter, Sara (Scott) Sommers; great grandsons, Jonah, Allen, and baby angel, William; Frank’s widow, Kim, and her family, Drew, Emily, and Ian; Palmer’s son, Terry (Denise) Haugen; and special friend, Carolyn Kleinschmit.
Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Palmer Haugen; and son, Frank Varilek.
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