Kool, Emma (Rempe) 1915-2006

KOOL, REMPE, SCHUT

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 12/10/2006 at 19:41:56

Emma Blanche Rempe Kool, first born daughter of Henry and Marie Schut Rempe, was born December 16, 1915, on a farm, which was known as the Rempe Farm, located west of Oskaloosa, Iowa, in Mahaska County. Later the family moved to a farm located near Bussey, Iowa. Emma attended the Union School where she completed eighth grade. Her favorite subjects were arithmetic and spelling.

Being the oldest of five children, Emma was not able to attend high school since times were hard and she had to find a job to help earn money. She found herself working for neighbors: washing, cleaning, and doing whatever needed to be done. At an older age she was employed at the Erving Motel in Oskaloosa, cleaning rooms, earning $1.00 a day.

Emma, along with her family, attended and became a member of the Central Reformed Church in Oskaloosa. This is where she met Elmer, her future husband. After dating for four years, they were married at the Central Reformed Church on September 25, 1940.

After marriage Elmer and Emma moved to a farm east of Pella and lived there their entire married life. To this union two children were born: Larry in 1942 and Janice in 1948.

Emma was a devoted wife and mother. She spent her time helping with chores, milking cows, helping with the hogs, taking care of her chickens, and most importantly cared for her family. She enjoyed needlework, embroidery, flowers, and sharing her garden produce with others.

After the loss of her husband in January 1987, she continued to live on the farm and obtained her driver's license at the age of seventy-one. When her health conditions changed she moved into Hilltop South in February 2002. With the construction and changes that took place at Hilltop South, she moved into Long Term Care at the Pella Regional Health Center in January 2004. It was in this facility where she passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at the age of ninety years, ten months, and thirty days.

Emma enjoyed all the activities in Long Term Care and loved seeing her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her two children: Larry Kool and his wife, Ella, and Janice Vander Wal all of Pella; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Harriet (Lyle) Stout of New Sharon; her brother, John (Donna) Rempe of Eddyville; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were: her parents; her husband, Elmer; a son-in-law, Keith Vander Wal; two granddaughters: Marsha and Linda Kool; and two sisters: Sarah Vande Kieft and Grace Plate.

Emma's strong faith, positive attitude, and smile won the heart of many. She will be missed by her family and friends. They will always cherish the wonderful memories she created in her lifetime.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Pella or Second Christian Reformed Church.

The Pella Chronicle, December 2, 2006