Clifford H. Kempf

Clifford H. Kempf, age 89, of rural Malone "Johnsburg", passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

He was born July 9, 1936, to Ray & Ermina (Sabel) Kempf on the homestead of his family that he lived his entire life in.

Clifford attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Grade School in Johnsburg and graduated from New Holstein High School in 1954. He served in the US Navy from April 2, 1959, until March 23, 1961.

On May 25, 1963, he married Barbara Mahlich at St. Martin's Catholic Church in the Town of Charlestown near Chilton. Barbara preceded him in death on March 4, 2008.

Clifford operated his farm in the Town of Marshfield near Johnsburg for approximately 27 years. Following retiring from farming, he was employed with Bremer Mfg, Galloway West, and finally retiring from Tolibia Cheese.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Holyland Parish-St. John's Site in Johnsburg, the Holy Name Society, and the Catholic Knights.

Clifford was locally known for growing his prized gladiolas. He was very supportive of the Johnsburg Athletic Club as well as attending sporting events at New Holstein High School. He was an avid follower of the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Wisconsin Badgers.

Survivors include his son, Ken (Lori) Kempf of rural Malone "Johnsburg"; his two grandsons, Jason (Jodi) Kempf of Iowa and Tyler Kempf (friend, Natalie) of Johnsburg; two greatgranddaughters, Quinn & Harper Kempf; his sister, Mary Steffes of rural Chilton "Jericho"; his brothers, Al (Kathy) Kempf of Ramsey, MN and Larry (Valeria) Kempf of Kiel; sister-in-law, Margaret Doss of New Holstein; and two brothers-in-law, Wilfred Schmitz of Malone and Francis Mahlich of New Holstein. He is further survived by nieces; nephews; other relatives; and friends.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Barbara; an infant daughter, Sherri; his parents, Ray & Ermina Kempf; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Joseph & Isadora Mahlich; his brothers-in-law & sister-in-law, Alfred "Fritz" Steffes, William Doss, and Emma Schmitz.

A Liturgy Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Our Lady of the Holyland Parish-St. John the Baptist Site in Johnsburg (N9288 County Road W, Malone, WI 53049). Rev. Paul Koenig, OFM Cap will officiate. Clifford will be laid to rest next to his wife, Barbara, in the church cemetery.

Visitation: Family and friends may visit with Clifford's family at the Sippel Funeral Home, 1311 Thorp Street, St. Cloud, WI 53079 on Monday, August 11th from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be at the church in Johnsburg Tuesday morning, August 12th from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM.

For further details, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in St. Cloud (920) 999-2291 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.