Norma Lou Kuempel

Norma Lou Kuempel of Guttenberg, IA, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at the Hiawatha Care Center in Hiawatha Iowa. She was born on June 23, 1929, in Louisville, Co to Robert and Margorie Gilchrist. Lou attended high school in Columbus, OH and Minneapolis, MN before attending Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She continued her education at Clarke College and earned a masters 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 Marys 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, WA, Dan (Deena) of Marion, IA and daughter Jeanne of Marion, IA; 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, half-brother Bill Gilchrist of Cave Creek, AZ She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, father Robert, mother Marjorie, step-mother Adel and half-sister Susan. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Guttenberg Library. Service Information Visitation Saturday November 19, 2016 10:00 AM to 10:55 AM St. Mary's Catholic Church 520 S 2nd St Guttenberg, IA 52052 Funeral Service Saturday November 19, 2016 11:00 AM St. Mary's Catholic Church 520 S 2nd St Guttenberg, IA 52052 Reception following the Committal Service Guttenberg Municipal Building 502 S 1st St Guttenberg, IA 52052 Interment following funeral service Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery Miners Creek Rd Guttenberg, IA 52052