William John Hempel

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William Hempel Obituary

Of Marine on St. Croix Died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 12. He is predeceased by brothers, Barton and Mark Hempel and sisters, Elizabeth Hanson and Margaret Coy. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kay; daughters, Linnea (Jose) Valdez, Elise (Philip) Bourne; son, Drew Hempel; grandsons, Benjamin and William Valdez; granddaughter, Emma Bourne; brother, Keith (Colleen) Hempel; sister-in-law, Diane Hempel; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Bill was born in Cook and graduated from high school in Elbow Lake. He received his B.A. from Macalester College in 1955 and went on to New York University School of Law, receiving an L.L.B. and L.L.M. with further studies at University College, London, and the University of Stockholm. He joined Dorsey & Whitney Law Firm, retiring as partner. Bill served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Minnesota, 1967-1968. He served Macalester College in several capacities: on the Board of Trustees and as Alumni President. He was most proud to receive the Macalester College Alumni Citation Award. Bill was a Big Brother, member of the Citizen's League and the Minneapolis Police Reserve. He enjoyed cars, boating on the St. Croix, travel and reading, especially American History. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 18, at 11:00 AM at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 150 5th St., Marine on St. Croix with visitation one hour prior to services. Memorials may be sent to Hammer Residences, 1909 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata, MN 55391 or Christ Lutheran Church. 651-439-5511

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Published by Pioneer Press from Mar. 14 to Mar. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for William Hempel

9 Entries

Drew

March 8, 2024

Dear Kay, Linnea, Elise, and Drew

Thinking of all of you this week, 2024.

Drew Campbell

March 13, 2019

Greetings Kay, Elise, Linnea and Drew ( and extended family & friends ),

This Guest Book sent me this memory and invite to write more about Bill. Today is March 13, 2019. As I had written, it was in my formative years of my life during elementary school years, and simply sharing meals and being included from time to time was healthy for my growth and development. I enjoyed taking their dog for a walk, Tippy I believe was the first dog way back....and then another one later.. I can't remember his name.. I would walk the dog around Lake of the Isles from Bill & Kay's home there.. It helped me to stay out of other neighborhood issues which were not so healthy at times. Ever since that one visit with Bill to the State Capital I have always thought that maybe one day I might have an office at the Capital, yet with some health related issues I decided to take at least a year break from serving as Commissioner. We shall see what might be in my future yet. I do credit Bill and Kay for planting seeds in me, which helped to give me confidence within myself. Where does time go, as I am already 62 yrs young! Thank you Bill for being you, and for sharing who you are with me.
Gods Love and Blessings to everyone, Drew Campbell, Mankato, MN

March 6, 2013

It's now been two years since Bill passed. He was my "Big Buddy" for several years, a program to reach out to children with no father through his church. I remember one of my times with Bill was while he was working with or for the Attorney General's Office.. I was in about 4th or 5th grade at Calhoun Elementary. Bill took me along in the early evening to the State Capital Building, and it was basically closed. He was doing some research there, and I walked around the facility, looking at how large and grand it all was... I even was found in the Library by the Security Guard :-) I thought to myself, "I wonder if my life will ever place me working in a place like this one?" Of course, I did not think that would ever happen... Knowing Kaye and Bill and the family gave me a glimpse that there are in-tact families, normal and living their lives. Spin forward now, and I have an office in a huge old turn of the century courthouse, in an old Judges Chambers as I am serve as a County Commissioner... I am writing from Washington DC, out here on county business, and I am inside of many huge old grand buildings. I will always remember times with Mr. Hempel, and the family. Gods Love Light and Care be with you all, living a thankful life.-------- Drew Campbell, Mankato, MN [email protected]

March 28, 2011

Dear Kay and family,
We just just returned from four weeks in Arizona and learned about Bill from a Mac graduate at Central Presbyterian. We were shocked and offer our sympathy to you and the family. Even though we haven't seen each other for a while, you and Bill have always been dear friends. Unfortunately life is filled with missed opportunities to be diligent in tending our friendships. A recent memory of Bill is on a warm summer day touring St. Croix Falls and your vacation cabin. It was a food time. We will be marking our 60th high school reunion this summer in Elbow Lake and he will be missed.
Our prayers and love are with you.
Rick and Kathy Barker

Sirtha Fries

March 23, 2011

Wer nicht von dreitausend Jahren
sich weiß Rechenschaft zu geben,
bleib im Dunkeln unerfahren,
mag von Tag zu Tage leben.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe -
Zitate und Sprüche
deutscher Dichter (1749 - 1832)

Dear Kay, Linnea, Elise and Drew,

experiencing the Hempel family's hospitality and warm friendship belongs to my most treasured memories. Bill gave me the chance to add another perspective on my country and European history from the other side of the atlantic. He helped me see my life from a distance and turned out to be a guide on my way to become a historian. I send you all my thouhts.

Love,

March 16, 2011

I was saddened to l learn of Bill's death. We were good friends at Macalester, active in many of the same political activities and on the debate team. My deepest sympathies to the family. Charles Johnson, Gainesville, VA

March 16, 2011

Dear Kay, Linnea, Elise, and Drew,

Bill was a big brother and buddy to me when I needed one. The consistancy of family relationships and the role modeling of both he and Kay was an important part of my early development. I will never forget Bill, walking Tippy around Lake of the isles, being invited into your family and the thoughtfulness shared during my childhood. I look forward to seeing all of you at the funeral on Friday. My family sends their sympathies.

Love,

Drew R. Campbell
Mankato, MN
[email protected]

Marianne Durkin

March 15, 2011

Kay:

I was so sorry to hear the news about Bill. He was extremely kind and helpful to me when I worked with him at Dorsey and I always appreciated that very much. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Tony Beitz

March 14, 2011

Oh, Kay. I just heard. I am so sorry. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

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