Nephi Kemmethmueller

“I Nephi, having been born of goodly parents” . . . Nephi Kemmethmueller’s life began with the same faith-filled spirit as his namesake, Nephi from the Book of Mormon. Born on November 18, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Ferdinand Josef and Margaret Wachsmuth Kemmethmueller, he passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, in South Jordan, Utah.

A Valiant Spirit

Nephi was a mighty spirit from the very beginning. He entered the world with a full cleft palate that required well over a dozen surgeries before he reached adulthood. Doctors had warned his mother that he would be lucky to live past childhood. He went on to live 85 remarkable years beyond that prediction. He was also told he would be limited in his physical growth and strength. He proved those odds wrong, too, growing to 6' tall and over 200 lbs. He was strong. And boy, could he eat!

Family was everything to Nephi. He was the cousin of the cousins and the favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was 13 when his father passed away and he made it his duty to help provide for his mother and sister.

School and Mission

Nephi graduated from South High School. He attended the University of Utah for three years, pursuing a degree in geology. He was a hopeful walk-on for the U's football team until a broken ankle changed his path. That broken ankle softened his heart to what the Lord wanted him to do—serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because of the severity of his cleft palate, Nephi was told he would have significant language disorders. So, what a surprise in 1963 when he was called to the Southwest Indian Mission and assigned to speak Navajo, one of the most difficult languages to learn; let alone speak. He was one of the few missionaries to live in a hogan among the Dine, whom he loved with all his heart. His mission to the Navajo people shaped the life of his service to God, family, and his fellow man. His blind mission companion, Ernie Bitsue, changed his life forever. Together, they witnessed the adversary opposing the work of the Lord as mightily as they witnessed the power of the Lord bestowing blessings and imparting miracles. Nephi’s love for the Navajo never left him.

The Heart of a Family Man

In the spring of 1967, Nephi met Helga Inez Keil, the girl from a dream he had at eight years old. He recognized her at once, even if she happened to be on a date with someone else. Soon, Helga knew, too. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple that October. And oh, how Nephi loved Helga. He did everything he could to provide for her temporally and spiritually. It was especially apparent in the last months of his life, as Nephi’s only concern was that Helga would be cared for.

Within nine years of marriage, Nephi and Helga welcomed four children, Darla, Lusche, Hiroko, and Ammon into their family. Along the way, they opened their home through the Indian Student Placement Program to two cherished daughters, Theresa Grant and Michelle Holliday; and a beloved Chinese refugee family of three from Vietnam, Lang Du, Cam Du, and Curtis Yee.

Christmas was Nephi’s favorite stage for quiet sacrifice and big surprises. He gathered leftover copper wire from construction sites and spent fall Saturdays stripping it, often with a BYU football game on the radio. The proceeds became unforgettable gifts: early VHS players, an 8mm video camera, three-wheeler ATVs for family camping, BYU season tickets (before, during, and after the national title season), an IBM PCjr fresh off the assembly line, and Christmas stockings that made even Santa do a double take.

A Life of Hard Work and Service

Nephi loved to work and maintained an ethic of excellence, which he expected from his children and those with whom he worked. He was a master piano refinisher and a skilled finish-carpenter. In the 1980s, he started K&E Construction with Brad Enman, building custom homes throughout the Salt Lake Valley and Park City areas. His capstone project was with Bodell Construction, overseeing the building of the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center in Salt Lake City and witnessing the tornado that struck downtown SLC on August 11, 1999.

When he wasn’t on a construction project, he was working on extensive remodeling projects at home. These projects allowed him to teach his children how to work (and to work hard), how to do things right the first time, how to not ever give up, and not to cry like a sissy-baby.

Nephi had a big personality and an even bigger heart. If he knew you, he loved you. He was genuinely curious about everyone he met and quick with a sincere compliment. He greeted the greeters at Costco by name, trusted his pharmacists at Sam’s Club, and cherished sitting one-on-one with his grandchildren just to talk and listen.

Nephi was honest in his dealings with others and with God. He was perfect at paying a full and honest tithe. Although money and circumstance did not allow him to finish college or travel the world, he chose books. He read voraciously, building an extensive library that filled his mind with knowledge and wisdom, which he applied, taught, questioned, and pondered.

More than anything in this world, Nephi loved Jesus Christ and the Restored Gospel. He loved the Book of Mormon, living prophets, and the temple. He exemplified this in his service as a ward mission leader, Sunday School teacher, bishopric counselor, high councilor, and bishop of the 22nd Ward in the Salt Lake Stake. He also served at the recommend desk in the Salt Lake Temple for nine years. With Helga, he served at LDS Hospital, the Bishop’s Storehouse on Welfare Square, and as MLS missionaries in the West Jordan Welby Stake.

A Valiant Fight to the End

Nephi’s strong and mighty character made him a valiant fighter when diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2013 and told he had only six months to live; and again, when he was diagnosed with the same in 2017. When diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2024, he was not expected to live nine months. By the time August of this year rolled around, Nephi’s final desire was to watch BYU play Portland State in the season opener. He was able to see that happen.

While cancer finally took its physical toll, it did not take Nephi’s spirit. He was steadfast and immovable in his testimony and witness that Jesus is the Living Christ. He was true, faithful, and faith-filled to the very end. Sweet were the final months of Nephi’s life, where he had an influx of dear friends and family who came to visit him. He lived life in vivid color and full sound, leaving a legacy of love, faith, and integrity.

Nephi’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Scott Samuelson, who cared for him from his first cancer diagnosis through the start of hospice. The amazing team from Quality Hospice - Jessica, Sara, and Giovanni - were a tender mercy, guiding him with gentleness and skill through some of his most difficult earthly lessons. Thank you.

Family and Service Details

Nephi is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Helga; his four children, Darla (Joel), Lusche (Will), Hiroko, Ammon (Lindsey); 21 grandchildren; two great-granddaughters, and four great-grandchildren waiting for their earthly entrance. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Alice Johnson, his half-sister, Margaret Cain, and many dear cousins who surely are rejoicing to be with him again.

A closed casket gathering will be held Friday, September 26, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the South Jordan Highland Stake Center, 10200 South 4000 West South Jordan, UT. 

Friends and family are invited to come share their memories of and love for Nephi.

Nephi’s graduation ceremony will be held at the same location on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM. A short, closed casket gathering will take place an hour before the services begin.

Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive, Millcreek.

Zoom Link for services: https://zoom.us/j/98292864397 

Funeral Services provided by Broomhead Funeral Home