John Edward Hempel Jr.

John Edward Hempel, Jr. died on June 22, 2023

The son of the late John E. Hempel Senior and Maxine M. (Walsh) Hempel, John was born in Clinton, IA on August 3, 1945. Both of his parents were active duty members of the military serving at the Shick Army Hospital in Clinton at the time.

He graduated from Saint Mary's High School in 1963, Clinton Community College in 1965 and Loras College, Dubuque, IA in 1967. Following military service from 1967-70, he obtained a Master's Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from lowa State University in 1972.

He was a combat wounded Army veteran of the Vietnam War where he was a platoon leader and executive officer with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 1st Armored Cavalry, Americal Division, 1969-70. Notable Army Reserve and National Guard assignments following active duty were as Senior Tactical Officer of the lowa and Arizona National Guard Office Candidate Schools and Armor Company Commander of the 1/632d Armor, Wisconsin Army National Guard. He reached the rank of Major before Vietnam related injuries forced an early military retirement in the early 80's.

Following a year teaching economics and political science at the Clinton Community College, John began a 35 year career in 1973 with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Human Resources at the VA in Little Rock, Arkansas. He held a number of other positions throughout the VA during his career and eventually served as COO at multiple VA locations across the country before being named CEO of the Las Vegas VA in 2001. He held this position until his retirement in 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret M. (Burton) Hempel; their sons John Hempel III of Spokane, WA, Joshua Hempel of Reno, NV and daughter, Jessica Grizzell of Elmhurst, IL; sisters Diane McGrellis of Hockessin, DE, Margaret Hornberger of Northeast, MD; and beloved grandchildren: Lillian Hempel and McKenzie Drake of Spokane, WA and Finley, Sophie and John Grizzell of Elmhurst, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Maxine, and his sisters Mary Hempel and Barbara Hempel.

Outside of his dedication to his family and career, John spent much of his free time on the tennis court. He had a strong love for the game and was often seen running local tournaments or serving as Captain to a number of USTA teams over the years. John was also an avid outdoorsman - with a strong love for hunting and fishing.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tucson VA Medical Center's General Post Fund (https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_at_facility/) or the Disabled American Veterans (https://www.dav.org/ways-to-give/) are encouraged.