Edna LaDeen Nispel passed away April 23rd, 2024 at the Caldwell Regional Medical Center where she had been living since early 2023.
Edna Kamm was born to Ed and Lucy (Chapple) Kamm on February 19, 1930 in the family home east of Halstead, Kansas. The family also included older sisters Maxine and Mary Jane.
After graduating from Halstead High School in 1948, Edna attended the University of Wichita where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Education in June of 1952. At that time she also received her Teacher’s State Certificate, making her qualified to teach in Kansas secondary schools. May 31st, 1953, Edna completed a two-year secretarial course of study and received a Stenographic Certificate. Edna was accepted into the Master’s program at the University of Wichita on June 11, 1956.
Edna’s first job was teaching business and typing at Caldwell High School in 1953. She met Bernard Dale Nispel through friends in town and they were married in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Newton, Kansas on Sunday, August 1, 1954. They enjoyed playing bridge with friends and taking their boat to the lake.
Julie Ann was born in 1957, followed by Bryan Dale in 1959 and Mary Lynn in 1961. Edna was a stay-at-home mom until 1959, when she and Bernard purchased Thompson Furniture in Caldwell, and opened Nispel Furniture. In addition to helping Bernard with the store, Edna did accounting for Caldwell schools, wrote checks and kept board meeting minutes.
Bernard and Edna moved to Wichita in 1981 where Edna went to work for the Garvey Builders Corporation until she retired. She was active in the Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Edna returned to Caldwell in 2003. She enjoyed working at the library. Her favorite pastime was reading. She could be found at her grandchildren’s sporting events, dances and school programs. Edna enjoyed sharing a cup of coffee and attending community events with friends. She was a member of PEO, Women’s Hospital Auxiliary, UMW, and Sorority.
Edna had a lifetime love of cooking. She cooked many meals for Bryan’s friends (with no notice) and loved cooking big family meals. Chandra remembers Grandmas “special” pancakes, with each grandchild having a unique pancake, which was just the result of her turning a “wonky pancake” into a “special” pancake.
Edna never lost her sense of humor. When they were dating, Bernard was photographed washing dishes wearing an apron. Edna joked that she married him because he washed dishes, but later in life she said she was pretty sure that was the last time he washed dishes. During a family game when it was Edna’s turn to act out a word, she stood proudly in front of the room, gave her best pageant wave and fell gracefully to the floor. Chandra immediately knew she was “Princess Di”.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell, Kansas for many years. When she returned to Caldwell in 2003, she began attending the Caldwell United Methodist Church, and enjoyed singing in the choir. The most important thing in Edna’s life was her family. She remained especially close to her sisters throughout their lives. She and her sister Mary Jane called each other daily to complete the Crossword and Jumble. Edna was blessed to have her dog Margo to keep her company for her later years in Caldwell. Margo was the happiest when they were sharing the couch. “She was always such a giving lady and a great cook and had a lot of love to give, she is going to be missed.” “What a blessing she was to all of us. She has gone to her eternal home.” “Edna was a great lady. I have many fond memories of her.” “She was the sweetest lady I’ve ever met.”
She is survived by her children Julie Stuck (Tim) of Junction City, KS, Bryan (Marla) of Caldwell, and Mary Lynn Jenkins (Mark) of Raytown, MO. Grandchildren Chandra Morgan (Matt), Nick Nispel, Emily Day (Nick), Nichole Gilman (Lucas), Jeremy Stuck (Jenny), Jennifer Stuck, Kami Jenkins, Tyler Jenkins, Justin Whittaker and Brady Moddelmog (Marissa), and 15 great-grandchildren.
Edna was preceded in death by her parents, older sisters Maxine and Mary Jane, and her granddaughter Brittany Nispel.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Caldwell United Methodist Church with Dr. Matt Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Caldwell United Methodist Church, Caldwell Public Library or to the PEO and sent in care of the mortuary.
