Emma Jean Kragel Kepka Died 2016

KRAGEL, KEPKA

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/3/2016 at 09:50:57

Sioux City Journal
23 October 2016

SIOUX CITY | Heaven recently welcomed a quilting angel. Emma Jean Kragel Kepka, 78, of Seymour, Tenn., formerly of Sioux City, died in a car accident on Oct. 18, 2016, in Pennsylvania.

A celebration of Emma's life will be held in Seymour at a later date.

A dedicated nurse, she worked at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, for almost 40 years. Working in various departments including the Burn Unit, she was instrumental in honoring the passengers of Flight 232 by organizing a quilt project that is now with the Sioux City Museum. Being Iowa Nurse of the Year and graduating from Briar Cliff College with a BSN in her fifties were two of her many accomplishments.

Emma and Rudy moved to Seymour in 1997 and often spent winters in St. Petersburg, Fla. In retirement, she volunteered her time at the Mountain Hope Clinic while also doing many charitable quilting projects. A devout Christian, her daily life was a witness to her deep faith. A woman in constant motion, Emma was a star high school basketball player, Girl Scout leader, Toastmaster, LWML member, avid OOPs and bridge player, gardener, a compassionate caregiver, quilter and a dedicated volunteer. Resilient in times of crises, stoic in her battle with cancer and a friend to all.

She was the beloved wife of Rudy Kepka for 58 years. She is also survived by her two daughters of whom she was immensely proud, Holly (Eric) Sorenson of Pocahontas, Iowa, and Valerie (Frank) Hughes of Glenmont, N.Y.; grandchildren, Andy Hansen, Allison and Ashley Bindel, LTJG Emily and Frank Hughes III were the beneficiaries of her handiwork and brought her much joy. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, who enjoyed their time with Emma. Sadie, her rescue beagle, will miss their many adventures.

The family requests that donations in Emma's name be sent to Mountain Hope Clinic, Sevierville, TN or Celebration Lutheran Church in Seymour, TN.