DANIEL EMIL KEMPI

The Legend has passed.  We lost our beloved yodeling cowboy, hot shot basketball star Daniel Emil Kempi, at the age of 85, on July 6, 2025.  The good Lord saw him suffering and called the shots – as HE always does – so Jesus took him by the hand and led him off the court.  

Dan graduated from Cromwell High School in 1957, and was legendary in the Polar League for his basketball scoring record, having made 54 points against Hermantown, and again against McGregor during the 1956-57 basketball season.    

Dan was born October 12, 1939 in Prairie Lake, MN, to Ernest and Violet (Maki) Kempi, who preceded him in death, along with sisters Sharon Kempi and Susan Thieling, brother Marvin Kempi, nephew Michael Kempi, and great niece Brandi Frakie.   He will be missed by sisters Myrna (Robert Ulland) Wells-Ulland of Phoenix, AZ and Debra (Robert) Switzer of Cromwell.  Dan leaves behind his hardworking legacy to his beautiful children, Terry (Chuck) McDuffie of Vail, AZ, Patty Jones of Henderson, NV, and Greg Kempi of Vail, AZ, who he raised with his wife Helen (Haapoja), a local high school sweetheart.  Also, his grandchildren Clint (Emily) McDuffie, Nicole (Alex) Thompson and Travis Jones.  Great grandchildren Hope, Marley, Harper, Adley and Xander.  Many nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Dan first worked as the Cromwell Feed Store manager.  From there he went on to be a feed sales rep for Midland Feeds, living in Ashland, WI.  In the early 70’s, his brother Marvin called him home to Cromwell to co-own/manage the Cromwell Bakery.  He and Helen bought and remodeled the lake home on Lippo Lane where he kept horses and allowed the town kids to ride.  Marvin and Danny  also learned the art of making the famous Cromwell Toast (Korppu), with the help of Helen and several local employees.  In the late 70’s, doctors advised him to move to a warmer climate.  They moved to 5 acres in Tucson where he managed a Purina feed store and kept horses for riding.  Eventually, Dan and Helen split and a buddy invited him to Seattle, where he again followed his passion for horses.  He worked his way up from race-horse groomer to trainer at the Long Acres Race Track until it closed.  

Dan then found another passion – working with kids as a middle school janitor in Auburn, WA.  He taught the kids school pride, how to clean dishes and take out the trash, and how to play basketball.  His 5th grade team won all their games after learning fast breaks and good shooting from Coach Kempi.  He wrote and sang a school pride song at the school assembly.  The teachers were impressed and voted him “educator of the year”.  This earned him the honor of throwing out the first pitch at a Tacoma Rainers baseball game.  He still has the baseball.  

His deep faith helped him through years of loneliness in Washington.  He would send greeting cards with reminders that Jesus is the answer.  He got bit by the Alzheimer’s bug and moved back to Tucson for a couple years.  He loved music and recorded two CDs of country hits which he loved to sing for the residents at his senior living establishment.  As things progressed, his sister Deb called him home to Cromwell to live his last years at Cardinal Court (which is built on the property where Dan grew up), knowing he would receive good care and experience a full life of activities at Cardinal Court.  He packed his guitar, cowboy hat and music and entertained the residents and staff with his resonant country music singing voice.  “Dan Kempi sings Hank Williams.”  The residents would often ask him to yodel, which he gladly did at the spur of the moment.  

Beneath Dan’s stoic Finnish demeanor was a loving, encouraging, competitive spirit which he imparted to all his family.  He loved Jesus and made profound contributions during Bible Study at Cardinal Court. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and will be missed by not only his family and friends, but by the loving, compassionate staff at Cardinal Court, Dr. Shawn Bode, and St. Croix Hospice.  

A celebration of Dan’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the home of Rob and Deb Switzer, 5687 Strand Road, Cromwell, MN 55726 with a luncheon to follow.  Dan’s niece, Rev. Dr. DeeDee Haines will officiate.  Inurnment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Cromwell.  Arrangements are entrusted to Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home of Moose Lake, MN.