Michael Dean Kempf was born Jan. 25, 1951, in Maryville, Missouri, and died Aug. 28, 2022, at the Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, at the age of 71.
He was the son of Pauline Susan Kempf. As a small boy of 4, his mother died, and he was raised by his brother.
Michael attended school in Hopkins, Missouri, and later earned his GED.
At a very early age, he entered the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Texas. Michael was trained in heavy equipment during his service.
Michael moved to Iowa, where he worked at the U.S. Post Office in Mt. Ayr.
He met and later married Madeline Lowry. They were blessed with two daughters, Jaime and Jennifer. The couple later divorced.
Michael moved to Perry and worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation.
On May 27, 1995, at the First Christian Church in Perry, Michael married Sherry Lee Watkins, and her children became his.
He retired after 35 years with the DOT.
Michael wasn’t one to be idle, and he promptly started working for N. L. Parkison Trucking out of Earlham, delivering supplies to farmers throughout the state of Iowa. He also helped his father-in-law, Milton Watkins, install flag poles.
Michael was a member of the Perry Elks Lodge.
His first love was his family. He also shared his love and caring for many kids. Many called him “Dad.”
Michael enjoyed gardening, Westerns and yearly going fishing and hunting.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry Kempf of Perry; daughters, Jaime (Chris Walker) Kempf of Perry, Paula Devilbiss of Perry, Jennifer Kempf of Rippey and Amanda (Andrew Peterson) Hurrenstein of Reedsburg, Wisconsin; sons, Justin Watkins of Ankeny and Derrick (Amy) Holmes of Perry; grandchildren, Abigail (Orion) Overturf, Piper Overturf, Peyton Overturf, Kaitlyn Devilbiss, Faith Murphy, Lila Devilbiss, Matthew Devilbiss, Andrews Holmes, Logan Winnebrenner, Jayden Holmes, Elijah Rollins, Brayden Kempf-Jones and Tucker Kempf-Jones; sister-in-law, Margaret Kempf; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Milton and Candice Watkins; brothers-in-law, Jerry McDonal and wife, Gay, Gus Olmstead and wife, Candy, John Watkins and wife, LouAnn; nieces; nephews; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Kempf; and brothers, David Kempf and Marvin Kempf.
Visitation was held Thursday, Sept. 1 from 1-7 p.m. at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry, with family present from 5-7 p.m. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 2 at the funeral home.
The Rev. Andrea Brownlee of Central Christian Church in Perry provided words of comfort. Casket bearers were Kaitlyn Devilbiss, Derrick Clouse, Derrick Holmes, Justin Watkins, Jerry Devilbiss and David Sanders. Recorded musical selections were “Amazing Grace,” “I Cross My Heart,” “Grandpa,” “I Swear” and “Daddy’s Hands.”
Memorials to help with medical and final expenses may be sent to Hastings Funeral Home. P.O. Box 204, Perry, IA 50220.
