Lucille Louise (Kunch) Plum

Lucille Plum

Lucille Louise (Kunch) Plum of Toledo, Iowa, the beloved wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, great-great grandma, daughter, sister, aunt and friend of many passed peacefully in her sleep on early Thursday morning, September 17.

Lucille was born July 15, 1930 to William “Bill” and Emma (Chaska) Kunch on their farm outside Clutier, IA. She was raised in rural Tama County and graduated from Toledo High School in 1949.

Lucille was married to James “Jim” Wayne Plum on November 17, 1951 at the former St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama, IA. They lived in rural Poweshiek and Tama Counties where Jim worked as a hired farm hand until October 1961 when the family moved to Montour, IA.

Lucille was preceded in death by her: parents Bill and Emma, husband Jim in December 1992 after 41 years of marriage, son Dennis Wayne Plum in 2011, infant grandson Jason Plum, 4 brothers Harry in the Korean War, William Jr., Cyril and Louis and 2 sisters Albie Kunch and Mary (Kunch) Kerkman.

Lucille is survived by her 2 sons, 2 daughters and their spouses: Terry (Paula) Plum from Texas, Doug (Olivia) Plum from Arizona, Denise Plum from Arizona and Dixie (Eric) Walker from Cedar Rapids, IA; 11 grandchildren Jeremy (Chris) Plum, Andrea (Scott) Slezak, Josh (Lauren) Plum, Monica Plum (Lyle Campbell), Nicki (Lance) Johannsen, Nolan (Jenna) Plum, Chad Plum, Melissa (Bob) Goddin, Diana Plum, Betsy (Dan) Nilsen and Nathan Walker; 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter; brother James (Marlene) Kunch of Marshalltown, IA and sister Anna (Kunch) Smith of Toledo; and many nieces and nephews.

Lucille became a cook at the Montour School in 1961. Over her 23-year career, Lucille LOVED preparing her special lunches for all students, teachers and staff. In July 2007, Lucille moved from their long-time family home in Montour to Toledo.

Lucille’s family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Mercy Hospice team for their compassionate and loving care during her final days at her son’s home near Marengo, IA.

Lucille will be remembered by her kind heart, unconditional love, positivity, smiles and simple laughs, Bohemian kolaches and pirouskies, making meals for anyone at any time, playing cards and BINGO, putting together jigsaw puzzles and being a Grandma or friend to all she knew.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Tama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial donations be sent to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 900 Park Street in Tama, IA 52339 in Lucille’s name. Also feel free to leave any personal condolences with the Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home (website: kruse-phillips.com) in Tama.