Emma Jean Rempe, 84 of Clinton, IL passed away 3:55 A.M. Thursday, January 26, 2012 at OSF St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.
Funeral mass will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, January 30, 2012 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Clinton, IL with Rev. Father James Henning officiating with burial at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 – 7 P.M. at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with a 4:30 P.M. Rosary service. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church or to DOVE.
Emma Jean was born November 17, 1927 in St. Patrick, MO the daughter of Carl Withington and Mary Ethel (Brennan) Logsdon. She graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1945. On June 26, 1948 she married Louis J. “Lou” Rempe at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in St. Patrick, MO. Sadly, her beloved husband Lou passed away November 10, 2011 after 63 years of marriage.
She is survived by her nine children: Diane (Barry) Phipps, Clinton, IL, David (Wanda) Rempe, Decatur, IL, Joyce Rempe, Clinton, IL, Carla (Bill) Good, Clinton, IL, Eric (Valorie) Rempe, Clinton, IL, Greta (John) Boudeman, Armington, IL, Teresa (Bill) Washburn, Washington, IL, Steven Rempe, Clinton, IL, Janet Vinson, Clinton, IL; 16 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren; two sisters: Maxine (Junior) Uhlmeyer and Doreen (Dennis) Schutte, St. Louis, MO; and sister-in-law: Mary Logsdon. She was preceded in death by her Parents, one brother: Seldon Logsdon and one granddaughter: Joanna Marie Boudeman.
She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Clinton, IL for 57 years. She was a dedicated and humble servant and freely gave of her time and talents for many church activities, especially the Altar and Rosary Society. After many years as a homemaker raising her large family, she began working at the Clinton High School cafeteria. She retired with 35 years of service in 2007 at the age of 80. She served on the John Warner Hospital Auxiliary Board and was active in PTA while her children were in school.
Emma Jean’s loving, caring, generous and compassionate nature made her a wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother who cannot be replaced. She had a calm spirit that made other feel safe and secure. She had a positive disposition and outgoing personality and never knew a stranger. She always took time to get to know the people who came into her life.
She was hard working, tireless, selfless and believed in always doing the right thing. She was an inspiration to her family with a wonderful sense of humor and the twinkle in her eye made everyone feel special. She will be so very dearly missed by her family, friends and community.
Your mother was one of the truly nicest people I’ve ever known. Always cheerful, always helpful and hardworking. Kind to absolutely everyone. She left a wonderful legacy of attributes for her children. I know in your sadness you are so proud to be able to call her one of the sweetest words ever, “mom”. My thoughts are with you as I know very well your loss.
Emma Rempe was one of the finest mothers I have known. She donated lots of books to me for the kids of Clinton. She was one member of a great family. Prayers to her family.
Emma was one of the best mothers I have known. Her ability to make something from nothing was amazing. A great cook and very generous to her grandchildren. She donated books to me for the children of Clinton. Very compassionate. Prayers to her family.
Emma Jean was an inspiration to me. If we all could be as positive and compassionate our world would be wonderful. Passing into her heavenly home, Emma Jean leaves this earthly one with happy memories, a true role model and a impossible act to follow. I pray for the happy repose of her soul in the company of our Saviour and consolation and comfort from God for her loving family.
We have known Emma Jean for many years. We just got a Christams card from her. telling us of the passing of Louie. she didn’t know how she could go on without him. Well, now they are together in a Good Place.
We served on committes together making food for the Falll Festival for St. Johns Church. She knew how to make food for big crowds.And very patient with the rest of the workers. We will miss you Emma Jean.
I’m sorry for your loss. Your mother was a special woman. I’ll miss her kind words and warm smile.
We were fortunate enough to know Emma Jean through both the church and the schools. Here was the thing…Emma Jean was Emma Jean in all settings. She didn’t change just because the trappings around her did. When she had a task to complete, she saw it through with grace and compassion. We send our prayers to you and hope you feel the love that surrounded her now with you.
We will miss you, Emma Jean, and were all lucky to have you in our lives and now rest easy, with Lou, in the loving arms of God.
Your mother was always the first one to step up and help anyone in the neighborhood. She always greeted you with a wave and a warm smile. She was a Great cook and a Most Wonderful woman and friend to many. She will be deeply missed.
Emma Jean was such a nice lady and neighbor.Always had a smile. We would see her and Louis walk to church on sunday. Our community has lost a fine person.
Emma Jean was a wonderful woman, who gave of herself in so many ways. As a friend of her eldest daughter, I was always welcomed into her home and treated like one of the family. Emma Jean said what she meant and meant what she said. One of the most genuine and kind people I’ve had the privilege of knowing.