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Francis "Story Teller" Kempen

Francis "Story Teller" Kempen obituary

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Wichmann Funeral Home - Fargo

400 West Wisconsin Avenue

Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Francis Kempen Obituary

Kempen, Francis J. "Story Teller"

Fran "Egg Man" Kempen, age 88, of Freedom, went to be with his "Toots" with his family at his side on Thursday August 6, 2015 at Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom. He was born on March 24, 1927 in Two Rivers, son of the late Henry and Gertrude (DeBruin) Kempen. Fran married Ann Marie Schmidt at St. Francis Church, Hollandtown on June 6, 1950. Together they operated a dairy and poultry farm near Freedom until 1972. They then moved to Kaukauna where he was employed by E-Z Glide until retirement in 1989. He delivered eggs in the area for more than 60 years. Fran loved his family, the egg route, the cottage, telling jokes and playing cards. He was also a member of Holy Cross Parish. He delivered Meals-on-Wheels every week after he retired. He also volunteered every week at St. Vincent De Paul as well as at Parkside and St. Paul Home where he led the Rosary and prayer service every week until age 84. He was nominated for the Post Crescent Volunteer of the year award in 1996.

Fran is survived by his three sons and daughters-in law: Gary (Sherry) Freedom; Joe ( Dianne) West Allis; Bernard (Jane) Kaukauna; ten grandchildren: Mary, David (Megan) Kempen, Cathy (Larry) Lambie, Tim (Melissa), and Mark (Leah); Scott, Paul (special friend Alexia), and Andy (special friend Roxanne); Lee (Melissa) Kempen and Sarah (Scott) Zuehlke; eleven great-grandchildren; his sister: Grace Van De Hei, Seymour; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Arlene) Kempen, Suring. He is also survived on his wife's side by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Ralph (Grace) Schmidt, Hollandtown; step sisters and brothers-in-law: Loraine (Don) Brink of Ephraim, and Lucy (Dan) Spencer of Stockton, Missouri, a step brother-in-law, Len Schmidt, Brillion; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ann Marie, an infant son; his siblings and their spouses; Ray (Mary Seaver) Kempen, Bertha (Ray) Schuh, Stella (Don) Calmes, Clarence (Elsie) Kempen, Marion (Francis) Fischer, Felicia Kempen, Ray Van De Hei. On his wife's side: a brother-in-law, Gerry (Eve) Schmidt, step brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Clarence (Jeannie) Schmidt, Rosemary (Hillard) Brantmeier, Art (Marian) Schmidt, Lori Schmidt, and Harry Johnson.

The funeral liturgy for Francis will be held at 11:00 am on Monday August 10, 2015 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna. Fr. Tom Pomeroy and Fr. Jack Mullarkey will be officiating. Interment will take place at St. Nicholas Catholic Cemetery in Freedom. A visitation will be held on Sunday at the Fargo Funeral Home 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Kaukauna from 4:00 pm until the prayer service at 7:00 pm, and again on Monday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Holy Cross Catholic Church are appreciated. Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.



The family extends a special thank you to Stan and Helen Dercks for their neighborly kindness over the years, a special thank you to Tina and the staff at Country Villa, Freedom; and also a thank you to the Asera Care staff, for their help at this difficult time.

Life is like a peanut, the shell is here but the nut is gone.

Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Aug. 7 to Aug. 9, 2015.
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Our prayers and deepest sympathy from the Class of 1945 and the Freedom High Alumni Association.

August 9, 2015

Peace to you Hank. Your visits and kind generosity were noticed by all at Country Villa. You are an awesome guy. Ann Marie and Fran were very proud of you.

Ken Bouressa

August 9, 2015

I will truly miss Fran. Not only was he a great story teller but he was my lead singer. The angelic choirs just got better! I am thankful that God brought him into my life and the lives of all the residents at Country Villa. Rest in peace Fran with Ann Marie.
I will miss his family as well. Great people.

Ken Bouressa
Country Villa Activities Director

August 9, 2015

I don't know Mr. Kempen but would like to offer prayers for his family. He sounds like a wonderful man and I'm sure his family will cherish the difference he made in their lives as well as those whose lives he helped in his volunteer work. He has such a nice smile and beautiful eyes--reminds me of my grandfather. I'm sure he and his wife are happy to be reunited and will be guiding all of you from their new home.

Kathy

August 9, 2015

Thank you all for your kind words and support.

Gary Kempen

August 9, 2015

Sorry for your loss, Fran delivered eggs at Tuckers Inn in Little Chute where I was a cook.I always took my break at that time so he could tell his jokes, he was a funny and sweet man.I also had the pleasure to see him at st.Vincent, there's only one Fran.Again sorry for your loss. It

Sherrie Hoelzel

August 8, 2015

So sorry to hear about Fran, and so soon after Toots passed. Prayers for the family for God to comfort you in your losses. Cherish the memories that you have made as a family.

Carol Kempen Tuttoilmondo

August 7, 2015

Bernie & Jane,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this most difficult time.
Jim & Robin Geurts

August 7, 2015

Dear Gary, Joe, Bernie & families: We are saddened but not surprised at your Dad's passing...just two weeks after your Mom....they were just too close to live without each other. It is heartbreaking to lose a parent, but to lose both your parents in such a short time must be devastating! We also convey our sympathy to you Hank, since Fran & Toots were a large part of your life as well. Please know that we keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers as Our Lord guides you through this most difficult time. May you feel His Strength and His Love. Sincerely,

Jerry & Lois (Mader) Loos

August 7, 2015

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Nothing but great memories of Fran and Toots sharing their cottage and their time with my family when I was a kid. May God bless them!

Dan Van Handel

August 7, 2015

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