Kounkel, Mildred Cecelia 1919-2009

KOUNKEL, DOSE ANDERSEN

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 8/24/2009 at 15:31:54

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, August 24, 2009

Mildred C. Kounkel, 89, of rural Le Mars, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.

Mildred Cecelia Kounkel was born Sept. 24, 1919, on the family farm in Oto Township, rural Woodbury County, Iowa, the daughter of Marius "Mark" and Anna (Dose) Andersen. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Climbing Hill. She attended country school near Oto, and graduated from Oto Public School in 1937.

After graduation, she enrolled in National Business College in Sioux City until she started her employment at the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (now ASCS) in Sioux City, plotting farms on the aerial maps. She also worked as the secretary/treasurer for nine years. Wanting to further her education, she returned the National Business College. Following her schooling, she worked in the bookkeeping department at Sioux City SEIG Company.

She was united in marriage to Ralph Kounkel July 1, 1950, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Mapleton. They made their home on the family farm in Lincoln Township, rural Plymouth County. To this union, two sons were born, Robert Michael Kounkel and Mark Douglas Kounkel. Mildred enjoyed her life on the farm and helped with the work related to the farm. Ralph died Nov. 21, 2006.

Mildred was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hinton, and was a member of the Ladies Aide for several years.

Mildred enjoyed gardening and canning. She also enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends. She will be remembered for her homemade buns, pies, cakes, and canned pickles.

Mildred was always there to lend a helping hand when needed. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her son, Robert Kounkel and his wife Sheila of Le Mars; three grandchildren: Brad Kounkel of Denver, Colo., Jayson Thompsen of Denver, Colo., and Amy Reoh and her husband Lee of Gretna, Neb.; two great-grandchildren: Jacob Thompsen and Carleigh Reoh; a sister: Helen De Boer of Artesia, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Marjorie Andersen of Gilmore City; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; a son in infancy, Mark Douglas Kounkel; two sisters, Marie Andersen in infancy and Evelyn Coon; and two brothers: Mark Andersen, Jr. and William "Bill" Andersen.

Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. today (Monday) at Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hinton, with the Rev. Steven Stoll officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was after 4 p.m. Sunday with the family present after 6 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., all at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation continued one hour prior to the services Monday at the church.