Emma Kalkwarf

Emma D. Kalkwarf, 91, of Grundy Center, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Creekside Living in Grundy Center, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 23rd at 10:30 AM at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. The burial will follow services at the Rosehill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Memorials my be directed to the family and memories and messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Emma was born on May 8, 1929 in Grundy County, Iowa on the family farm, to her parents Martin & Susie (Swygman) Henze. She grew up in Grundy County, and attended school in Dike, where she graduated high school from. As a young child, she met and became friends with her future husband Reinhard Kalkwarf, in which she often told stories to her family and friends how he saved her a seat on the school bus. The rest was history and Emma and Reinhard started their forever love story on August 31, 1950, at the Salem Lutheran Church, in rural Parkersburg. The couple welcomed 5 sons into their family, in which Emma stayed home and raised her boys, and took care of their home. In her free time, she was very active in their church, where she spent hundreds of hours quilting with her church family. Later in life, Emma and Reinhard learned to square dance and could often be found dancing with her sister and brother-in-law.

She enjoyed playing cards, and lots of fun and laughter was had with her family. Her family described her as happy, and always laughing. Even up until she passed away, she was still her ‘spunky’ self. Her family will miss her dearly but know she’s happy to be reunited with her family and friends in Heaven.

Emma is survived by her 5 sons, Randal (JoAnn Shaeffer) of Roland, IA, Doug (Julie) of Bettendorf, IA, James (Ellen Force) of Des Moines, Gary (Nancy) of Pella and Keith of Grundy Center; grandchildren Melissa (Matt) Pohlman, Kristy Kalkwarf, Jacob Kalkwarf, Erin (Gary Boekhout) Kalkwarf, Martin Kalkwarf, Gregory, Bryon & Molly Kalkwarf, Kristen (Jonathan) Engelbrecht and Harmony Kalkwarf; 2 great-granddaughters Emily Kalkwarf & Ana Pohlman; sister Tena Aswegan of El Cajon, CA. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Reinhard; grandson David Kalkwarf; sister Lydia Henze.