Edna L. Bouma

MADISON, WIS/LINCOLN, NEB - Edna Bouma passed away in her sleep on December 29, 2013 at Oregon Manor in Oregon, Wis. Edna was born in Holland, Nebraska, on January 8, 1918, to Harry and Bertha (Tenhulzen) Wismer. She and her brother were raised on a farm homesteaded by their grandparents. She described her childhood as lots of fun with 10 of her cousins living nearby. She married Arnold Bouma on October 8, 1937 and they farmed in the Holland area for 40 years. Together they raised three daughters. Edna wanted a college education for them, which led her to a 25 year career managing the Jane Walt Gift Shop in downtown Lincoln. She loved her work with beautiful things and interesting people. She described that chapter of her life as a very busy, but happy time. She retired when Arnold became ill and she became his caretaker. Edna lived life fully. From an early age, music and church work were very important to her. She directed youth and adult church choirs most of her life. She taught Sunday School classes, and led women’s groups until a few years ago. She was a mentor and friend to many. Her unwavering faith sustained her throughout her life, especially during the prolonged illness and early death of her youngest daughter, Beth, in 1972. After Arnold’s death 28 years ago, Edna made her home in Lincoln pursuing a very active life. She always enjoyed entertaining, cooking, decorating, gardening, playing bridge, traveling, and helping people. Her yearly vacations in Colorado with family and friends were a favorite memory, and in retirement, she traveled to many other parts of the U.S. as well as to numerous foreign countries and continents. She was always ready to pack her bags and go. Edna showed courage, determination, and independence throughout her life. At the age of 85, she moved to Madison, Wis. to be near her daughter’s (Vicki) family. She adjusted fairly quickly and continued her many interests. She enjoyed living in Fitchburg initially, then Oakwood Village West for several years, and most recently at Oregon Manor Nursing Home. As her health declined, her activities slowed, but her spirit remained alive and well to the end. She didn’t want to miss anything. Edna was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will be missed by her two daughters and spouses, five grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Daughter, Laurie (Harold) Kolenbrander of Cincinnati, Ohio, and their children, Kimberly (Vince) Mauer of Cincinnati, and their children Stephen, David, Laurie, and Julia; Kirk (Terri) Kolenbrander of Boston, Mass, and their children Emily and Sarah; and Kerri (Frank) Bickel of Cincinnati.; Daughter, Vicki May (Susan Cary) of Fitchburg, and Vicki’s children, Jodi May (Gary Morton) of Madison, and Douglas (Dawn) May of Madison, and their children Meghan and Garrett. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, Glen Wismer and wife Thelma, daughter, Beth Leuders, grandson-in-law, Stephen Burmeister-May, nephew, Marlin Wismer, and many other relatives and friends. The family greatly appreciates the staff at Oregon Manor for their kind care of Edna during the past 20 months. A memorial service will be held at ORCHARD RIDGE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 1501 Gilbert Rd., Madison, WI 53711 on Saturday, March l5, 2014 beginning at 2 p.m.