Photo courtesy of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory
Fort Madison, Iowa
Robert H. "Bob" Kempker, 84, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 11:20 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at Fort Madison Community Hospital. He was born on June 14, 1932 in St. Paul, IA to Henry & Ida Overberg Kempker. He married Barbara J. Hunsaker on August 1, 1953 in Fort Madison, IA. He and his wife Barb founded Kempker Hardware, which they owned and operated for 40 plus years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of Holy Family Parish, Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis and the Fort Madison Elks Lodge. He enjoyed working in his yard, but his greatest love was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Bob is survived by: his wife: Barb Kempker of Fort Madison, IA; 1-son: Chuck (Dawn) Kempker of Fort Madison, IA; 4-daughters: Sharon (Steve) Thomas of Nevada, IA, Debra (James) Conaway of Raleigh, NC, Sandra (Dave) Holtkamp of Fort Madison, IA & Peggy Garlow of Phoenix, AZ; 12-grandchildren; 18-great grandchildren; 3-sisters: Ann (Richard) Helling of New Hampton, IA, Bernice (Jerome) Sokolik of Davenport, IA & Dorothy (Mark) Pollpeter of West Point, IA. He was preceded in death by: his parents, 1-granddaughter: Dallas Hnat & 1-brother: Dennis Kempker. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. with a wake service to be held at 5:30 p.m. all on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Ss. Mary & Joseph Church in Fort Madison. The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 12, 2017 at Ss. Mary & Joseph Church with Rev. Mark P. Spring officiating. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences to Bob's family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com. King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with the arrangements.
I only new bob for a short time being a caregiver for him but he would always tell you how good of job you where doing and when I got to work he would call for me just to ask how I was doing. he will be greatly missed
Stephanie Decker CNA
August 05, 2017 | Ft Madison, IA | Friend
Sorry for your loss
Linda Simpson
June 15, 2017 | Fort Madison, IA | Friend
I remember very well growing up as neighbors of the Kempkers n.e. of St. Paul,IA in Pleasant Ridge Twp. We visited back and forth many, many time with them. We always had so much fun. I remember walking home on the day of Victory in Europe in 1945. I was only in 1st grade and that was a long walk for a 7 year old. We car pooled in those days and they let school out before lunch. The school did not have a phone in those days. I wanted Bob to carry me, but he kept telling me that I could...
Dolores Klesener Riepe, Cedar Rapids, IA
June 14, 2017 | Cedar Rapids, IA | Neighbor
We are sorry for the lose of your loved one.
Jim & Dee Herdrich
June 13, 2017 | Ft. Madison, IA | Friend
Remembering all the great backyard parties, T.J.'s at Xmas, and fun times we had with Bob and your family. Keeping you in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Rosemary & Steve Budke, Becky &Stew Oliver
June 12, 2017 | Neighbor
THE ENTIRE SNYDER FAMILY WANTS TO LET YOU KNOW HOW SORRY WE ARE TO HEAR OF BOBS PASSING, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND BE WITH YOU IN THE FUTURE. WITH LOVE,
RUBYE SNYDER
June 12, 2017 | RALEIGH, NC | Friend
Barb and family
Having just lost Craig, i know the pain and loss your family is enduring. Having each other to lean on is a gift. As they say, Life goes On, but it is with a big difference when you loose someone so special. He never knew a stranger and know matter how successful he was, he was always himself.
Fort Madison has indeed lost one of the great ones.
I wish peace for your family.
Love to all,
Patty
Patty Wilkins
June 12, 2017 | Fort Madison, IA | Friend
My deepest prayers for all of Bob's family. He was truly one of the most genuine people I've ever met. May peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Phyllis Dooley
Phyllis Dooley
June 12, 2017 | Friend
Our sympathy to all Bob's family. From the Davis family.
Jerry and Darlene Davis
June 11, 2017 | Fort Madison, IA | Friend
