Norma Lou Kuempel

Norma Lou Kuempel of Guttenberg passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at the Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha.

Funeral services were Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Guttenberg, conducted by Rev. Marvin Bries. Visitation was before services at the church.

Interment was at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Guttenberg, followed by a luncheon at the Guttenberg Municipal Building.

Arrangements were handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home, Guttenberg.

Lou was born on June 23, 1929, in Louisville, Colo., to Robert and Margorie Gilchrist. 

Lou attended high school in Columbus, Ohio and Minneapolis, Minn., before attending Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls.  She continued her education at Clarke College and earned a master’s degree from Upper Iowa University.  She was a teacher in the Guttenberg School District for 32 years and was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1991.

In June 1950, Lou married Jim Kuempel and made Guttenberg her home.  She served the community through many organizations including as a Charter Member of Hospital Auxiliary, Book Club, Library Board, Historic Preservation Commission, St. Mary’s Church and Legion Auxiliary.  Lou was passionate about her hobbies which included quilting, stained glass, rosemaling, antique furniture, flower gardening and sewing. 

Survivors include children Mike (Marla) of Monroe, Wash., Dan (Deena) of Marion and Jeanne of Marion; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and half-brother, Bill Gilchrist of Cave Creek, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; father, Robert; mother, Margorie; step-mother, Adel and half-sister, Susan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Guttenberg Library.