On Thursday, May
27, 2021, Alice Koempel, West Union attorney, passed away at the age of 95.
Alice was born on October 21, 1925 in West Union, IA to Edgar and Bessie (Book) Traeger. She graduated law school summa cum laude from the University of Iowa in Iowa City and went into practice with her father in February of 1948. At the time of her death, she was still doing legal work and – having practiced continuously for 73 years – was the longest-active attorney in the state of Iowa.
The Iowa Bar Association noted this milestone a couple years ago and requested an interview for their publication to which Alice declined, stating: “If my clients find out how old I am, they’ll quit coming to me!”
Alice was preceded in death by her brother, Edgar Jr., father and mother, Edgar Sr., and Bess. She is survived by her brother, Bob Traeger, her two children, Douglas Koempel and Robin Kieckhaefer, Robin’s husband, Jeff, and their daughters, Betsy, Julia and Emma and her longtime legal assistant, Betty Steinlage.
Earlier in her career, she loved trial work and passionately advocated on behalf of her clients, however, Alice kept a low profile; and per her wishes, there will be no services.
She generously donated to various charities including the American Cancer Society, JDRF Diabetes Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, The Humane Society, The ASPCA, and Guiding Eyes to name a few. To honor our mother’s legacy, memorials may be made in her name to the above-mentioned charities or charities of your choosing. All organizations websites can be found at “Nonal Charity Reviews,” at give.org.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.