John L. Kuempel, Sr.

John Lee Kuempel Sr, 91, passed away on March 7, 2025. His legacy includes uniting four families through his boundless love.

John was known as being outgoing, kind, and smart. Always a leader, he was valedictorian and class president at Mariemont High School (Class of 1951). At the University of Cincinnati, John excelled academically in the work/study engineering program. He was an active member of Lambda Chi Alpha. 

John devoted his career to The Kuempel Company (now DeBra-Kuempel), a mechanical contracting company headquartered in Cincinnati and founded by his father, Leon Kuempel, where his son, John Lee Kuempel Jr (recently deceased) also was a leader. John Sr expanded operations and managed the Columbus branch. He was proud to be inducted to the Young President’s Organization (YPO). 

John had many hobbies. He loved antique cars, especially his red 1960 Studebaker Hawk. John’s experiences as an Eagle Scout were formative, giving him a deep appreciation for nature. He was an avid fisherman, a member of the Queen City Anglers and president of the Pelee Club on Pelee Island, Canada. John enjoyed gathering family and friends around his player piano for good times. He was a ham radio enthusiast and early adopter of eBay, where he always found good stuff for cheap.

In true “Brady Bunch” fashion, John’s blended family includes four wives (three deceased), 6 sons, 4 daughters, 4 daughters-in-law, 4 sons-in-law, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

John is survived by his wife and soul mate of 21 years, Mary Ellen Meretta Hofmann Kuempel (“Mel”), and her three children: son JR Hofmann; son Andy Hofmann, his wife Erin Devine Hofmann and their two daughters, Molly and Sarah; and daughter Ellie Hofmann Richey, her husband Shawn Richey and their two sons Tommy and Eli.

Other surviving family members include John’s children with his first wife Nancy Boyer (deceased): daughter Carrie Kuempel, her husband Jeff Wickham and their two sons, Sam and Lee; his predeceased son John Kuempel Jr’s wife Eileen Devine Kuempel and their two sons Joshua and Jeremy. 

John is also survived by the children of his second wife (Jody Rossel Whiting, deceased): daughter Beth Whiting, her husband Bruce Hennessey and their two children, David and Bryn; son Ross Whiting, his wife Tareth Mitch and their son Leo.  

Surviving children of his third wife (Olga Conroy Stoehr, deceased) include son Jay Stoehr’s (deceased) wife Amy Waller Stoehr and their four children, Jamie, Sydney, Maddie and Gretchen; son Thomas Stoehr; and daughter Katherine Stoehr Mohrlang, her husband Durell Mohrlang and their twins Devon and Machaela.

John is also survived by his younger brother, Peter Kuempel, who adored him. 

Services will be held on Thursday, March 13 at 11AM at the Indian Hill Church, 6000 Drake Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45243. Committal service immediately follows at Armstrong Chapel cemetery. All are welcome.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America at donations.scouting.org or to the charity of one's choice.