Lester Joseph Kempker

Lester Kempker, 78, of Taos passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Capitol Region Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He was born October 22, 1944 in Jefferson City to the late Herman and Agnes (Hake) Kempker.  Lester grew up on the family farm in Folk where he learned the value of hard work, reliability, common sense and always helping those in need.  Lester was a skilled carpenter by trade specializing in home construction.  He worked for Herman Kempker Construction building many homes in the Jefferson City area. He was a “jack of all trades” with the ability to install plumbing, electrical or anything that needed fixing. 

On June 17, 1965, Lester married Rita Woehr at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Koeltztown.  They moved to Taos raising their children, Wayne, Dean, Lynn and Carla.   Family meant everything to Lester.  He enjoyed supporting them in all their endeavors and loved to watch the grandkids play volleyball, softball, baseball, football and cheerleading.  In his earlier years, Lester bowled in league, threw horseshoes and played baseball.  He took pride in keeping the lawn trimmed, flowers blooming and harvesting his tomatoes.  If he wasn’t cheering on the Cardinals, hunting or fishing, you might find Lester relaxing with a cold Stag.

Survivors include his wife, Rita of Taos, four children, Wayne of Wardsville, Dean (Kelly) of Loose Creek, Lynn of Holts Summit and Carla (finace-Thomas Bryant) of Jefferson City, ten grandchildren, Christina (finace-Gavin Herst), Courtney, Hannah, Michael, John, Autumn, Faith, Abby, Lily and Sophia, great grandson, Jaxsten, sister, Laurentia Wenzel of Jefferson City, three brothers, Floyd (Helen) of Taos, Herman Jr. (Marilyn) of Jefferson City, Lenny (Marilyn) of Wardsville, sister-in-law, Janice Kempker of Jefferson City and many nieces and nephews.  Lester was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Judy Kempker, three brothers, Alfred, Lloyd (Barbara), Tony (Lorine) and brother-in-law, Arnold Wenzel.

Visitation will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Taos on Friday, May 26, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:00 a.m.  Reverend Kelechi Uzuebbu will officiate.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting the family with arrangements. trimblefunerals.com