Irmgard H. Vaiskunas, 94

Irmgard Hildegard Vaiskunas, affectionately known as Irma, passed away on February 20, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 94. She was born on April 9, 1930, in Berlin, Germany to Karl and Hildegard Domnick.

Irma endured a challenging upbringing during World War II. Despite the hardships of her early years, she remained resilient and strong. As a young woman she had several jobs including cleaning, helping her sister after the birth of her children, working on a farm, and working in a nursing home.

Through letters, she came to know Vito Vaiskunas. When he asked her to come to America and be his wife, she courageously boarded a ship and spent ten days crossing the ocean to begin a new life. She arrived in New York City on September 14, 1956.

She became a United States citizen in 1963 and took great pride in being an American, cherishing patriotic music throughout her life.

Irma and Vito Vaiskunas were married on March 2, 1957. They built a house on 31st Street in 1964. Irma lived in the same house since then.

Her first job in Omaha was as a live-in housekeeper for a family in the Dundee area. After marriage, she worked at Pendelton Woolen Mills, and stopped working when she was pregnant. Irma was a devoted wife and mother who raised four children with strength and determination. She contributed to the family’s well-being in many ways—ironing laundry for others; ironing altar linens used during mass; cleaning the church, school, and a doctor’s office. In 1972 she pursued an education to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She worked for many years as a nursing assistant at Lutheran Hospital, Clarkson Hospital, and St. Joseph Hospital, dedicating herself to caring for others with compassion. She spent many years caring for her handicapped daughter, Sylvia, with unwavering love and devotion.

A devout Catholic, Irma found solace in her faith. She also believed in the watchfulness and protection of the angels. She always referred to them as “the holy Angels.” She was involved in the church community at St. Anthony’s Church, especially when her children attended St. Anthony School. In the late 1970’s, she was a choir member at St. John’s Church, where she sang with the choir under the direction of Fr. Bernard Portz. Fr. Bob Dufford of the St. Louis Jesuits was also directed the choir. She enjoyed the years being able to sing the new songs written by the St. Louis Jesuits and was delighted to be part of this choir.

Despite her petite stature at just 4 ft. 10 in, Irma had a larger-than-life personality that endeared her to those around her. She had a playful spirit and loved sharing her favorite jokes with anyone willing to listen—her accent only adding to its charm. She was a storyteller who loved to talk about her early life in Germany.

Her kindness extended beyond people; she had a soft heart for animals as well.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, and one sister; and her husband Vito. She is survived by her sister, Erika Eckardt (Dieter) of Berlin, Germany, and four nephews and one niece. She is survived by her children Rita Schnitker (Dan), Antonia Vaiskunas, Sylvia Vaiskunas, and Thomas Vaiskunas (Diane); nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made for Masses or Nebraska Humane Society.