- Date Of Birth: March 17, 1933
- Date Of Death: July 11, 2018
- State: Montana
Wilma was born in Great Falls, Mt on March 17, 1933 to Frank and Ruby Cereck. Her childhood was spent on the family ranch in the Red Butte area with her brothers Jim & Bill and sister Norma. In 1951, Wilma graduated from Great Falls High School and joined the Cascade County Welfare Department as a stenographer & case worker.
In 1953 she married her high school sweetheart Jim Pilgeram. In early years of marriage, Wilma was a Navy wife who enjoyed picnics and clam bakes on the beaches while stationed at Oak Harbor, Washington. In 1957, Wilma and Jim returned to the Pilgeram family ranch to farm and raise beef cattle, chickens, and kids.
Wilma was an accomplished seamstress, wholesome cook, and meticulous housekeeper. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, capturing family moments in photos and behind a VHS video camera, spoiling various orange tabby cats, and taking afternoon naps. Willy loved to dance. Her children remember coming home late from many country dances throughout the community.
Wilma leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Jim Pilgeram; sons, Dan Pilgeram, Rod (Roberta) Pilgeram; daughters, Gayle (Rick) Hertz, Darci (Albert) Seaholm; five grandchildren, one great-granddaughter; and her siblings Norma, Jim, and Bill.
She was preceded in passing by her parents, Frank and Ruby Cereck; and by her beloved grandson, Jon Pilgeram who was killed in Afghanistan while serving with the 101st Airborne Division.
