Norma Kuempel

NORMA LOU KUEMPEL

Guttenberg

Norma Lou Kuempel, 87, of Guttenberg, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016, at Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha.

She was born June 23, 1929, in Louisville, Colo., to Robert and Margorie Gilchrist. Lou attended high school in Columbus, Ohio, and Minneapolis 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 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 her children, Mike (Marla) of Monroe, Wash., Dan (Deena) of Marion and Jeanne of Marion; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and stepbrother, Bill Gilchrist of Cave Creek, Ariz.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; father, Robert; mother, Marjorie; stepmother, Adel; and stepsister, Susan.

Arrangements are being handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home, 207 S. First St., Guttenberg. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Guttenberg. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Marvin Bries officiating. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Guttenberg. There will be a luncheon at the Guttenberg Municipal Building following services.

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