Kenneth G. Kempken

UNION GROVE - Kenneth G. Kempken, 62, died at home on Tuesday, June 24, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Burlington on August 8, 1945. He married Kay Waardenburg in St. Thomas Church on September 7, 1968. He was a retired Sheet Metal Worker in Racine. He was the Custodian at Union Grove Elementary. He was a Webolos Leader and a Boy Scout Leader in Union Grove for many years. He was a member of the Jaycees. His hobbies included spending time with his grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, fishing, and bow hunting. He is survived by his wife, Kay; three children, Kelly (Melissa) Kempken, Kim (Scott) Saltzmann, and Kevin Kempken; four grandchildren, Christopher, Morgan, Megan, and Jacob; five siblings, James (Diane) Kempken, JoAnn (Bob) Jurgens, Katie Weiler, Jean (James) Findlay, and Janet (Jack) Schumacher; sister-in-law, Joan Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Mary (nee: Maller) Kempken; his brother, Raymond; his parents-in-law, John and Lucille Waardenburg; and brothers-in-law, Jon Waardenburg and Donald Johnson. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 27, 2008, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Waterford with a visitation to precede the Mass at 9 a.m. Burial will take place at Rochester Cemetery following the Mass. The visitation will be Thursday, June 26, 2008, from 4 until 8 p.m. at Miller- Reesman Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to the Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Center and the Wheaton Franciscan Homecare and Hospice. The family would like to thank the Wheaton Franciscan Cancer Center, Dr. Puffer and staff, Dr. James Simonds and staff, and the Wheaton Franciscan Homecare and Hospice, especially Jackie and Chris. A special thank you to Fr. Gene Doda of St. Thomas Aquinas Church. MILLER-REESMAN FUNERAL HOME 620 - 15th Avenue Union Grove 878-2500