Patricia J. Kumm
December 16, 1934 — February 2, 2024
Patricia Jean Christensen, the daughter of Walter and Margaret White Christensen, was born on December 16, 1934, on a small farm near Prairie Rose Lake in Shelby County, Iowa. She was the oldest of three children: John (deceased) and Mary Ellen (deceased). She enjoyed life on the farm and spending time with the family. Most of all Patti enjoyed their trips to Minnesota spending time with her aunts, uncles and cousins. Patti attended three different country schools in Jackson Township and graduated from Harlan High School in 1954.
On November 7, 1954, Patti was united in marriage to Derald Kumm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, IA. They had three children: Robin, Trudy and James (ten years their younger). The two resided in Harlan, Iowa their entire life. Patti began working for Nelson Motors during high school and continued until the business closed. She continued her career at The Baptist Memorial Home later becoming Elm Crest Retirement Center. Patti was the Office Manager at Elm Crest for over 40 years and enjoyed the residents greatly. She was the chair of Soup Supper and Alzheimers walk for many years.
Patti followed in her father's footsteps and enjoyed music. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Choir, Harlan Community Chorus, and Goldenaires. One of her most enjoyable times was being a band parent and working at the Shelby County Fair in the summer. Patti was a member of the "Red Hat Ladies" club and Gardening Angels Club. She loved her flowers and enjoyed gardening. In addition Patti volunteered with the Alzheimer's Committee and worked with Christmas Lighting around the square.
One of Patti's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whenever possible she would be sitting in a seat watching them perform, sing, or play sports. Patti enjoyed spending time in the Colorado Rockies (Estes Park) shopping and enjoying the scenery.
Patti is survived by her husband Derald Kumm of Harlan, Iowa; her children: Robin (Terry) Murphy of Parkville, Mo; Trudy (late husband Brian) Trimbath of Fort Collins, CO; Dr. James (Niki) Kumm of Webster City, Iowa; 3 grandchildren; Joe (Brit) Trimbath, Megan Kumm, and Max Kumm; 4 step grandchildren; Sean Michael (Ericka) Murphy, Travis Murphy, Hailee (John) Arnold, Hannah (Tanner) Bringaze. 1 great grandchild, Lochlan Trimbath; 3 step great grandchildren, Shannon Murphy, Scarlett Arnold, Henry Arnold; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
In Lieu of flowers, a monetary donation may be given to Patti’s family.
On November 7, 1954, Patti was united in marriage to Derald Kumm at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, IA. They had three children: Robin, Trudy and James (ten years their younger). The two resided in Harlan, Iowa their entire life. Patti began working for Nelson Motors during high school and continued until the business closed. She continued her career at The Baptist Memorial Home later becoming Elm Crest Retirement Center. Patti was the Office Manager at Elm Crest for over 40 years and enjoyed the residents greatly. She was the chair of Soup Supper and Alzheimers walk for many years.
Patti followed in her father's footsteps and enjoyed music. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Choir, Harlan Community Chorus, and Goldenaires. One of her most enjoyable times was being a band parent and working at the Shelby County Fair in the summer. Patti was a member of the "Red Hat Ladies" club and Gardening Angels Club. She loved her flowers and enjoyed gardening. In addition Patti volunteered with the Alzheimer's Committee and worked with Christmas Lighting around the square.
One of Patti's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whenever possible she would be sitting in a seat watching them perform, sing, or play sports. Patti enjoyed spending time in the Colorado Rockies (Estes Park) shopping and enjoying the scenery.
Patti is survived by her husband Derald Kumm of Harlan, Iowa; her children: Robin (Terry) Murphy of Parkville, Mo; Trudy (late husband Brian) Trimbath of Fort Collins, CO; Dr. James (Niki) Kumm of Webster City, Iowa; 3 grandchildren; Joe (Brit) Trimbath, Megan Kumm, and Max Kumm; 4 step grandchildren; Sean Michael (Ericka) Murphy, Travis Murphy, Hailee (John) Arnold, Hannah (Tanner) Bringaze. 1 great grandchild, Lochlan Trimbath; 3 step great grandchildren, Shannon Murphy, Scarlett Arnold, Henry Arnold; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
In Lieu of flowers, a monetary donation may be given to Patti’s family.
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