Phyllis Marie Kempf

Phyllis Marie Kempf (Blonde), age 94, passed away on December 30, 2025, after an extended illness.

Phyllis was born in Burnside Township, Lapeer County, on September 28, 1931. She was the daughter of Philip Oscar Blonde and Mary Ella Blonde (Young). This was during the Great Depression, and her father joined the CCC to obtain work. During his time at one of the camps, he contracted rheumatic fever with subsequent related heart disease, which led to disability. Throughout this time, the family relied on Phyllis' grandparents, Cash and Jean Young, for assistance in their daily lives. Phyllis spent her childhood on her grandfather's farm and went to a one-room schoolhouse down the road. She transferred to Imlay City High School, from where she graduated in 1949. She even became Miss Imlay City in the local school pageant.

Phyllis then married her longtime beau, John Philip "Phil" Kempf. Phil and his brother, Bob, took over the running of Kempf's Shoe Store, and Phyllis worked numerous office jobs before settling at GTE (Verizon). They purchased a cottage at Higgins Lake in approximately 1967 and spent many hours remodeling and restoring that cottage. It was a place for all to gather and was always the source of great family get-togethers. In the early 1980s, they sold the cottage at Higgins Lake and moved to Vero Beach, FL, where they enjoyed a very active retirement life with golfing, playing bridge, and spending time with so many close friends. In 2018, Phil and Phyllis moved to Gaylord, MI, to be near their daughter and have assistance in their later years. In 2021, Phil passed away from extended illnesses of dementia and leukemia.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Michael (Nancy) Kempf of North Carolina; her daughter, Kathi (Ed) Heath of Gaylord, MI; her sister, Paula (Tim) Kaiser of Pigeon, MI; and 5 grandchildren, Michael (Kim) Kempf of Algonquin, IL, Christopher Kempf of San Diego, CA, Matthew (Caren) Heath of Chassell, MI, Rachel (Lorne) Washburn of Ishpeming, MI, and Katie Sinclair of Columbus, OH. She also leaves behind 6 great-grandchildren, Lauren Elisabeth Kempf of North Ft. Myers, FL, Devlyn Kempf of San Diego, CA, Jack Sinclair of Columbus, OH, Ancora Ann Washburn of Ishpeming, MI, Bodi Lawson Washburn of Ishpeming, MI, and John Everett Heath of Chassell, MI; and many nieces, nephews, and friends she made throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Kempf; her beloved parents and grandparents; and her great-granddaughter, Emerson Lee Heath. She was also preceded in death by many dear friends.

When Spring finally arrives, there will be a memorial and interment for both Phil and Phyllis in Imlay City, MI, where it all began.

Please share your stories and memories of Phyllis in the "Share a Memory" section. Private arrangements entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, 135 N. Center Avenue, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734. www.CarebyNelsons.com