Theresa Kumpf

1938 - 2026

Theresa Kumpf

February 6, 1938 - January 5, 2026

Theresa (Reichmuth) Kumpf passed away peacefully on January 5, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation is on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Isidore Church with a Vigil service to follow at 6 p.m., also at the church. Visitation continues on Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church.

Born on February 6, 1938, on the family farm half a mile north of Leigh, Neb., Theresa was the 12th of 13 children welcomed by Frank and Ella (Herink) Reichmuth.

Theresa attended country schools in Colfax and Platte counties through eighth grade before attending Leigh High School. She played in the band, cheered with the pep club, and was crowned Homecoming Queen alongside her sweetheart, Tom Kumpf – the young man who would become the love of her life.

Graduating as valedictorian in 1955, Theresa went on to the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, completing a one-year internship at Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colo., and earning her degree in Medical Technology in 1958.

On August 19, 1958, Theresa married Tom at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Leigh, beginning a beautiful decades-long partnership. In their early years together, they lived in Fremont and Omaha, Neb., and in Lawrence and Overland Park, Kan., before putting down roots in Columbus in 1969, where they raised their family and made lifelong friends.

A dedicated professional, Theresa worked as a medical technologist at Dodge County Community Hospital in Fremont, Methodist Hospital in Omaha, and a private clinic in Lawrence. After settling in Columbus, she and Tom ran the X-L Motel together for several years before she returned to the medical field in 1986.

Theresa gave generously of her time and heart to her community. She chaired the Platte County Red Cross Bloodmobile, served on its board of directors, led as president of the Scotus Mothers' Club and Circle Leader at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, and was a devoted parish council member at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she lived it quietly through acts of service and love.

Theresa found simple joys in the things that brought people together. An avid reader, she cherished her time with the Book Review Club. She was a fierce card player – teaching her grandchildren the strategy of Pitch and often besting her friends at Bridge with a twinkle in her eye. Summers spent "Up North" on the lake in Minnesota were treasured times of relaxation, family, and making memories that her loved ones will hold dear forever.

Theresa is survived by her four children, Rex (Liz) Kumpf of Columbus; Vanessa (Patrick Higgins) Kumpf of Nashville; Bret (Connie) Kumpf of Columbus; and Elizabeth (Mike) Walter of Omaha; five grandchildren, Taylour (Connor) Mason, Tom (Kendra) Walter, Jackson Kumpf, Erin Walter, and Eleanor Walter; five step-grandchildren, Kari (Jason) Hofer, Kristi (Tommy) Hough, Kayla (Nick) Hollatz, Emily Higgins, and Forrest (Myia) Higgins; seven step-great-grandchildren; her sister, Monica Reichmuth; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom; her parents, Frank and Ella Reichmuth; six brothers; and five sisters.

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