Lola K. Trenkamp

Lola K. Trenkamp, age 63, of Preston, IA, passed away Friday, June 28. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Preston. Visitation will be at the church from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, and also from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being established in Lola's name.

Lola grew up on the family farm between Maquoketa and Preston. She attended Maquoketa Schools and graduated from Maquoketa High School with the class of 1979. Lola married the love of her life, Lonnie Trenkamp, on January 31, 1981. Together they celebrated 43 years of marriage and raised six children. In 1985 Lola and Lonnie moved to the Trenkamp family farm, where they operated a dairy farm until 2011, continue to raise beef cattle today, and shared the joys and challenges of farm life.

Lola was known for her generous spirit. She tirelessly gave to her family, community, school, and county. Her dedication to her family was unwavering. She never missed her children's and grandchildren's games and school activities, no matter how many farm chores had to be finished. Her infectious enthusiasm and loud cheers made her a memorable figure at school sports events. Her grandchildren affectionately knew her as “Maka,” a name of unknown origin. Her family will never forget her incredible talent in the kitchen, and especially cherished her caramel corn and apple slice bars. Lola was also talented with a needle and thread and created beautiful baby blankets for all her grandchildren.

Lola's love for children extended into her professional life, where she worked at Easton Valley School and the daycare at Sacred Heart School. She was also deeply involved with FFA, fostering a love for farming and agriculture in the younger generation. A farmer's wife, Lola embraced farm life wholeheartedly, from milking cows to raising chickens and tending to her beloved apple trees. She was an active member of 4H from a young age and Lola held nearly every position within the organization. Lola was recently inducted into the 4H Hall of Fame, a testament to her lifelong commitment.

Lola's social circle was filled with friends she cherished, enjoying outings and meals together. She was always active either raising her children, working on the farm, or helping in the community. She never had an idle moment. People knew Lola to help anyone and everyone at the drop of a hat. She was a mom and grandma to many kids beyond her own. Lola was the kind of person to never meet a stranger. Lola's legacy of love, generosity, and community spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. She leaves behind a void that cannot be filled but also a wealth of cherished memories that will continue to inspire.

Lola will be dearly missed by her loving husband, Lonnie Trenkamp of Preston; six children, Aaron (Carrie) Trenkamp of Grand Mound, IA, Carl (Whitley) Trenkamp of Bellevue, IA, Katie (Mason) Tieskoetter of Ossian, IA, Evan (Dana) Trenkamp of Charlotte, IA, Tyler (Rachael) Trenkamp of Maquoketa, and Nicole (Ryan) Cordts of Rewey, WI; 13 grandchildren, Blake, Taylor, Rowyn, Berkley, Jayden, Lucienne, Aveya, Brantley, Charlene, Daniel, Liveley, Collins, and Kennedy; her mother, Charlene “Babe” Johnson of Maquoketa; five siblings, Lee (Marlene) Johnson of Maquoketa, Larry (Mary Lou) Johnson of Maquoketa, Lester (Nancy) Johnson of Springbrook, IA, Linda (Lonnie) Waknitz of Clive, IA, and Loren (Bonnie) Johnson of Preston; many nieces and nephews; and Elaine “Midge” Watters.

Lola is preceded in death by her father, Leroy Johnson; and her parent-in-laws, Raymond and Velma Trenkamp.