In Memory of Corlie Sue Kohnekamp

Corlie Sue Kohnekamp, age 70, of Battle Creek, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center of Sioux City, Iowa.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 15, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, Iowa.  The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Battle Creek, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Corlie Sue Kohnekamp, the daughter of Delyle and Edith (Sifling) Booth, was born on June 25, 1951, in Corona, California. She grew up in the Spencer and Milford, Iowa area, where she received her education and graduated from Milford High School with the class of 1969. 

In February 1973, Corlie was united in marriage to Randy Vermeys in Okoboji, Iowa. The couple made their home on the hilltop in Battle Creek, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Ryan, Alicia, and Chad. The couple later parted ways.  Corlie married William “Bill” Kohnekamp on October 22, 2004, in Ida Grove, Iowa and Corlie welcomed Bill’s four children: Cindy, Bill Jr., Michelle, and Sarah.

Corlie worked in a variety of jobs through her years, including Farmland in Denison, a CNA, bartender, waitress and cook. Corlie had a passion for reading and finally found her true calling working at the Battle Creek Public Library. She also enjoyed puzzles of all kinds, including crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, live music, watching football and rooting on the Chargers.  She loved a good thunderstorm and enjoyed quiet evenings outside stargazing.

Spending time with her grandkids, family, the in-laws, out-laws and her many friends is what she enjoyed the most.  Corlie had a heart of gold and her door was always open. She was always willing to listen and offer up advice. She cherished her family and friends, and was a second mom to many. It was not uncommon to find her extra kids spending time on the hilltop, helping "Mom" with various chores and tasks. She taught all of us to love unconditionally, forgive when necessary, have fun, and laugh often. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, William “Bill” Kohnekamp of Battle Creek, IA; children: Ryan (Tess) Vermeys of Spirit Lake, IA, Alicia (Brenton) Watkins of Grimes, IA, and Chad (Mindi Terrell) Vermeys of Urbandale, IA; step children: Cindy (Al) LaDuke, Bill Kohnekamp Jr., Michelle Kohnekamp, and Sarah (Buddy Leisinger) Kragel; twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; brother Dave (Mary) Booth of Hampton, IA; sister Rosemary Booth of Milford, IA; extended family, friends and all of her “kids”. 

Corlie was preceded in death by parents, Delyle and Edith Booth; brother, Ronald Manville; and sister, Kathie Booth.