Wilma Jean Fridenberg Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Wilma Jean Irby Fridenberg left this world the evening of January 21, 2020. Wilma, or Jean as she was known to family and friends, was born to William F. and Naomi (Copeland) Irby, on April 23, 1927. Wilma Jean began her professional life in the county clerk’s office of her father in Clay County, Arkansas. Upon graduation from high school, she moved to Washington DC to start a career in civil service. She eventually moved back to Arkansas where she met her husband, William Burnette Fridenberg, who had just returned from serving in World War II. While married, Wilma Jean worked on the hobbies of many women of the times. She developed the skills of sewing, designing clothing for women and children, painting, and writing, all while nurturing her interest in history and genealogy. Mrs. Fridenberg leaves behind three loving daughters – Frana Schulte, Patricia Newkirk, and Linda Hardy (Doug); five grandchildren – Hiley Schulte, Theresa Newkirk Haag (Aaron), Ben Schulte (Becky), Reagan Newkirk Lampe (Jason), and Sarah Graves; seven great grandchildren; a niece – Dana Speer (Alton); and a nephew – Jimmy Irby (Nell). She was preceded in death by her parents – William and Naomi Irby; her husband – William Fridenberg; and two sons-in-law – Mark Newkirk and John Schulte. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector, Arkansas. Friends and family are asked to gather at the cemetery.

Wilma Jean Fridenberg

April 23, 1927 - January 21, 2020