Zeldene Jarvis Wilhelm Dahm

Zeldene Jarvis Wilhelm Dahm, 94, passed away Friday, November 13, 2020. Zeldene lived her life in Technicolor! She was bright and fun and always meticulously dressed. She loved turquoise jewelry, fancy cowboy boots, dancing, the color red and See’s lollipops; which she was quick to share with anyone who came her way.

She was born, December 29, 1925 in a little house with a pointed roof on the south side of town in St. Johns; delivered by her grandmother who was a midwife.

Zeldene’s homemaking skills were incredible. She could make any home warm and cozy and delightful and she decorated many homes; moving often and living in cities around the state and later in Nevada and Salt Lake City, Utah. She was an accomplished seamstress and created her own patterns for elaborate dresses and western shirts. She was also an amazing cook and loved to feed family and friends who came to visit.

At the age of 16 she married the love of her life, Emmett Wilhelm. They were married in September and Emmett joined the Army and became a paratrooper in December. Zeldene played a part in supporting the troops in WWII by driving jeeps and busses carrying pilots to the flight lines near Wickenburg and later worked as secretary for the Colonel. She always laughed about that assignment because she could not type a word, but it did not hurt that she was beautiful!

Her life was not always easy, but with faith and perseverance she was able to endure the hard times and come out into the light over and over again.

Her long life was devoted to nurturing and supporting her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. She was a great cheerleader and facilitator and was so proud of all of the successes of her family members. She also loved and had a close relationship with all of her nieces and nephews.

Zeldene will be missed but never forgotten! We look forward to the day we will all be together again through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s perfect plan for us.

Zeldene is survived by her son, James Russell Wilhelm, Stockton, California; daughter, Sharon Kay Miller, Gilbert; 4 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Reuel Jarvis and Melissa Maud Burk, siblings, Walter Joseph, Ruel Elmo, Leola, Cora, Earl, Vinnie Margaret, Virgene Josephine, Nina and her husband, Emmett Wilhelm.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, St. Johns Downtown Chapel, Relief Society room, with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow the funeral service at the St. Johns Westside Cemetery.