Emma Gertrude (Kaiser) Hale, 72

 Emma Gertrude (Kaiser) Hale, 72, passed away on Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Emma was born in Ramfeld, Germany on April 6, 1939. She was the seventh child of 10 children in her family.

Wes and Emma met in Germany while he was stationed at Sembach Air Force Base. Emma, Wes and first child Eduard immigrated to the United States May 8, 1958, and lived in California. Wes and Emma were married on Dec. 7, 1958. They moved to Whitefish in 1964 with their three boys.

Her first job was working at North Valley Hospital as a nurse’s aide. From there she went to work for Muldown Elementary school in the kitchen as a “lunch lady.”  She loved all of the students, teachers and staff. She worked at the school from 1978 to 2004, and during those 26 years she volunteered her time as a sub in the kitchen, reading to the second-graders or to just stop by and have lunch with the students and staff. During the summer months after retirement she worked as a janitor until the summer of 2009.

Emma had many favorite hobbies and activities. She learned to crochet at the early age of 4 and it continued to be a hobby of hers throughout her life. When she wasn’t at a game, visiting with friends or at the Soroptomist Thrift Store, she was crocheting. She enjoyed going to baseball, soccer, hockey and volleyball games, and anything the grandchildren and great-grandchildren were involved in. She never missed a game or activity. Being a part of the Soroptomist was a passion of hers. She spent much of her time sorting items and visiting with her “sisters.” She looked forward to the first Saturday of the month because that was her day to “work” and visit with the customers. Relay For Life was another passion of hers. Raising money to help someone else was important to her and she enjoyed getting out and walking with friends.

She is survived by her husband, Wesley O. Hale; three sons, Eduard Hale and spouse Kristen of Kalispell, John Hale and spouse Cyndi of Kalispell, and son Eric Hale of Kalispell; five grandchildren, Lindsey Hale, Brittnie and spouse Nick Allan, Nathan Hale and spouse Trista, John W. Hale and spouse Gina, and Corey Hale; six great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Colin, Trey, Gaven, Tanner and Jayce.

A memorial service for Emma will be held at 3 p.m. on March 3 at Muldown Elementary School, 1300 E. Seventh St., in Whitefish. A reception will follow in the Muldown Cafeteria.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Emma’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Emma’s tribute wall.