Emma E. Hampton

Emma E. Hampton, age 91, of Lancaster, formerly of Bloomington, died on Thursday, January 6, 2011, at the Lancaster Care Center in Lancaster. She was born on July 21, 1919, in Beetown Township, the daughter of Sidney and Wessie (Dudley) Gates. Emma graduated from Bloomington High School. She was employed at the Bloomington Telephone Company as an operator. Emma later was employed as a secretary at the Agriculture and Soil Conservation Services office. She was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington. Emma enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and keeping up with her active family.

Survivors include her children: Linda (Larry) Watchorn, Fennimore; Paul (Jeanne) Hampton, Dubuque, IA; Kris (Faye) Hampton, Cottage Grove; grandchildren: Sherri (John Schurman) Wenzel, Dodgeville; Juanita (Bob) Caley, Lancaster; Tim (Dawn) Wenzel, Sun Prairie; Michael Hampton, Madison; David Thornell, Rockford, IL; Marnie Wetzatain, Rochester, MN; Ross Hampton, Stoughton; Katherine (Ed) Oliver, Monona; Jessica Hampton, Stoughton; great-grandchildren: Jonathan (Michelle) Kane, Palm Harbor, FL; Kevin and Amy Wenzel; Jack Oliver; Brianna and Emma Hampton; her sister, Mary Ettelson, Clovis, CA; her brother, James (Joan) Gates, Madison; sister-in-law, Virginia Gates, Lancaster; and many members of the Gates and Hampton families.

In addition to her parents, Emma was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Karle, her brothers, John and Walter Gates and a sister, Ruth Zenz.

Funeral services were held on Monday, January 10, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Bloomington with Father John Meinholtz officiating. Burial was in St. Marys Cemetery in Bloomington. Family and friends called on Monday, January 10, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Bloomington is assisting the family.