Irma L. Gemmill

Irma Lorraine Gemmill age 94 of Aitkin, MN, formerly of Fordville, ND, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Aitkin Health Services in Aitkin, MN.

Irma Haug was born August 24, 1931 on the family farm west of Edinburg, ND, the daughter of the late James and Anna (Holth) Haug. She grew up on the farm and attended school in the Edinburg area, graduating from Edinburg High School in 1948. Following high school, she received a teaching certificate from Mayville State Teachers College in 1951. She taught students at a rural school west of Edinburg and at an elementary school in Larimore, ND.

On October 19, 1952 Irma was united in marriage to Floyd Gemmill at Odalen Lutheran Church, rural Edinburg, ND. The couple moved to Fordville in 1954 where they farmed, built custom homes, and raised their five children. In retirement, Floyd and Irma spent their winters traveling throughout the United States including 15 years in Mesa, Arizona. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Floyd passed away on February 20, 2017 and Irma moved into the Park River Good Samaritan Society in February of 2021, and then to Aitkin Health Services in Aitkin, MN in March of 2024.

Irma was a devoted wife and loving mother who found joy in caring for her home and family. She had a deep love for her family and was well known for her cooking and baking (especially cream cheese mints, lefse, and “Grandma buns”). She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafts and had a love for children. When her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were babies, she had a way of being the first to make them coo and smile. Even in her last days, children made her smile.

Irma had a strong faith in Christ since her teen years, and was a prayer warrior (especially for her family). She was a dedicated member of Fordville Lutheran Church, where she attended Bible studies, Ladies Aid, quilted, and was the church organist for many years. Music was always a big part of her life and it brought her joy until her last days.

Irma was known for her kindness, warmth, and generosity. She was selfless and always made others feel welcome and cared for.

She is survived by her children Rick (Janet) Gemmill, Fordville, ND, Jim (Karen) Gemmill, Minnetonka, MN, Keith (Julie) Gemmill, Fordville, ND, Kathy (Jon) Bloom, New Albany, IN, Jane (Randy) Riesberg, Aitkin, MN; grandchildren Laura (Jeff) Brodina, Joe (Jen) Gemmill, Matthew (Betty) Gemmill, Clint (Abby) Gemmill, Ross (Jessi) Gemmill, Mike Gemmill, Tommy (Shannon) Gemmill, Andy (Alexa) Gemmill, Beth (Jeremy) Sumners, Kara (Lloyd) Fowler, Chrissy (Ryan) Marchand, David (Emma) Radulski-Bloom, Andrea (Lucas) Guimont and Eric (Sarah) Riesberg; 1 step grandson, Matthew Becker; 34 great grandchildren; 1 step great granddaughter; 2 great, great grandchildren, and sister Anne Puppe, Cavalier, ND.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers James, Glenn, and Norris, and step grandson, Eric Becker.

Irma’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Park River Good Samaritan Society, Aitkin Health Services, and St. Croix Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided.

Funeral Services will be on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Fordville Lutheran Church of Fordville, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND.