John R. Kemper

John Richard Kemper, age 89, passed away Friday, December 19, 2014, at his residence. He was born in Racine, December 11, 1925, son of the late Sigmund “Ziggy” and Anna (Nee: Senkowska) Kemper and had been a lifelong resident.

John attended Washington Park High School. With the outbreak of WWII, he went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Army Air Corps stationed in Texas and Germany. In May of 2011 he joined fellow veterans on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. On September 25, 1948 at St. Rose Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Mildred M. Johnson. John was a member of Teamsters Local 43 driving for Schlitz Brewing Co and Union Linen Supply, retiring in 1983. He was a longtime member of St. Rose Catholic Church, a current member of St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, and a member of the Catholic Men’s Association. John and Mimi enjoyed their ten winters in Edinburg, TX and their many years at Lake Oakes. He was an avid Packer fan. Above all he treasured the time he spent with wife and family. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Mimi; 5 children, Dr. Richard J. Kemper (Lynn Tower) of Racine, Debbie Kemper (Mary Tree) of Sparta, WI, Kaye (Tom) Lietz of Gillette, WI, Keith (Cindy) Kemper of Kansasville, Jack Kemper of DePere, WI; 9 grandchildren; 5 step grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Frances Louko of IL; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Irene and brother, Ervin.

A Mass of Christian Burial followed by full military honors will be celebrated Saturday, December 27, 2014, 11:00 A.M. at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue with Reverend Mark Jones officiating. Relatives and friends may meet Saturday at the church 10:00 A.M. until time of Mass. Private interment will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

The family extends a special thank you to the staffs and residents of Lake Oakes and Home Harbor for their kindness and friendship.