Lena Hempeler

Lena E. Hempeler, 86, died November 12, 2011, of natural causes, at the Guttenberg Hospital, Guttenberg, IA. Lena Emma Christina Stickfort Hempeler was born January 25, 1925, the daughter of Arnold and Emma (Theodore) Stickfort in Garnavillo, IA. She was baptized April 6, 1925 in St. Pauls Lutheran Church, Garnavillo, IA. Lena grew up on a farm outside of Garnavillo, graduating from Garnavillo High School, 1942. She married Arlyn A. Hempeler September 4, 1943 at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Independence, IA. They operated Rolling Prairie Guernsey Farm until 1983, when they retired to Garnavillo. Lena took an active part in the dairy operation and enjoyed many lifetime friendships with fellow Guernsey enthusiast. Lena made a home for her husband Arlyn, her six children, and Arlyns uncle Louis, who lived with them for 29 years. She was also an avid seamstress, enjoyed gardening, her flower beds and made many guilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lena always enjoyed the fun of being a twin sister to Tina; they participated in the Twin O Rama for many years winning the "Least Look Alike" and "Oldest Twins" categories. Lena was a member of St. Peters Lutheran Church, Garnavillo, IA. She served as a Sunday School teacher, was active in the Women of the Church and enjoyed participating in Sew Day and was on the church Quilt Committee. Lena is survived by her daughters Arlene Ries, Rock Island, IL, Audrey (Russell) Haught, Iowa City, IA, Annette (Daniel) Walther, Garnavillo, IA, a son-in-law, Roger (Ardith) Anderegg, Guttenberg, Iowa. Seven grandchildren, Mark Anderegg, Donna Schuster, Toni Hoth-Wilkie, Neil Hoth, Jillian Walther, Jordan Walther, Jaaron Walther and three great-grandchildren Collin and Connor Schuster and Lily Wilkie. Her twin sister Christina (Virgil) Niehaus, Guttenberg, IA, and sisters Ivanelle Schlake, Farmersburg, IA and Leona Schroeder, Guttenberg, IA. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arlyn on January 16, 1993, her two sons, Aaron on November 4, 1965, and Allen on June 26, 1983, and her daughter Ardith Anderegg on June14, 2007. Also preceded in death are her brother Earl Stickfort and her sisters Irma Blume, Fern Terveen and Mary Stickfort in infancy and Louis Hempeler.In Lieu of flowers and all styles of sympathy memorials are preferred to be sent to the Garnavillo Library, Garnavillo First Responders or the Garnavillo Fire Department.Visitation: Tuesday 10:00- 11:00 A.M. November 15, 2011 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Garnavillo, IowaFuneral Service: Tuesday 11:00 A.M. November 15, 2011 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Garnavillo, IowaInterment: Garnavillo Community Cemetery Service Information A service summary is not available