Birth date: Feb 26, 1932 Death date: Jun 17, 2013
On June 17, 2013 Francis R. Kemper Dearest Husband of the late Clara A. Kemper (nee Schultz). Beloved Son of the late Henry T. and Evelyn M. Kemper . Loving Brother of Joan E. Reed. Also Survived by Many other loving nieces, nephe Read Obituary
Francis, I remember your visits with 'cousin Anna' from when I was a child. Your enthusiasm, humor, and zest for life have never failed you. Even when you struggled in recent years for breath or balance, you recovered with acceptance and a smile. We have a lot to learn from your perseverance, humor, endeavors, pursuit of learning and preparedness for dying.
It was a joy to meet a true artist. Your variety of carvings are whimsical and full of expression and folly. I hope you photographed all of them. What a great book your collection would make. I am excited for you that you took up painting in your last year here. Heaven gained a new artist this week and I will keep my eyes open for that sun kissed mountain peaking through the purple and orange clouds.
Sheala
Cousin Francis was a kind and dear soul who will be greatly missed. We came to know him best in recent years initially through a mutual interest in Kemper genealogy. Giving generously of his time and talent Francis helped us immensely and in the process we grew closer.
In life there are individuals one wishes they could have known better. Francis is one of those persons.
He greeted everyone with a winning smile and liked to put cheer on peoples' faces. We loved Francis's keen sense of humor, his goodness, and appreciated his firm faith in Christ as Savior. Francis is entrusted now to the Lord but our memories of him will always live in our hearts.
John and Mary Banister
My deepest sympathies go out to the Family of Mr. Kemper. Mr. Kemper was one of my customers and it was always a pleasure seeing him. I loved to see the next wood carving project he would be working on. When he would come in, I would say "Good Morning Mr. Kemper" his reply would usually be "It is always good when my feet hit the floor" or if I ask "How are you today" his reply - "I am here talking to you aren't I, so it is a good today". He was always full of stories to share or as he would say "useless knowledge". From the little I know of him, he was truly a pleasure to be around. He will be missed. Thank You Mr. Kemper for your stories, for sharing your art work and for the harmonica song you played for me and my co-workers a few years ago.
I will miss our week end dinner, holidays, your emails, our phone calls, your jokes, your art work, your carvings, your joke, your stories of our family and my childhood, and your too the point personality. Words cannnot express my hearfelt feelings of love. You have been a great teacher, geneologist and historian and most of all a great uncle to me. You are one of the most essentric people I will ever know. I am fortunate to know you and have had you in my life. I will cherish all of your little sayings. Your courage, passion and zest will always be remembered. I will always love you and proud to be your neice.
Celeste Collier
