Gerald "Gerry" Kempen

Gerald “Gerry” Kempen, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 with his daughter Kathy by his side.  Gerry was born on July 18, 1929 to Peter and Marie (Coenen) Kempen.  He was a veteran having served aboard the USS Kula Gulf during the Korean Conflict.  On February 11, 1956 he was united in marriage to Geri Nienhaus.  He retired from the Kimberly mill after 40 years and served on the Kimberly fire department for over 20 years.  He was a member of Kimberly Legion Post #60.   Gerry enjoyed camping and fishing with his son-in-law Dan.  In his words he summed up his life; I lived on a farm raising chickens in the town of Buchanan with 10 siblings; having a twin brother, Harold “Butch/Whitey”who lives in Seattle.  My wife Geri and I raised 3 children; daughter Kathy who lives near and visits often.  Barbara who lives in Florida and Joe who lives in Little Chute.  I am recently widowed.  I worked at the Kimberly Mill and worked up to superintendent of maintenance.  I am a Navy veteran and a volunteer Fireman.  I love to grow tomatoes.  I enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking and camping.  I like to watch Fox News, old-time movies and the Packer.  I like rootbeer and most foods. 

Gerry is survived by his 3 children; grandchildren; Jeff (Beth Soderberg) Chandonais, Beth Chandonais, Luke Chandonais, Laura (Austin Nelson) Kenney, Alysa (Nick Jarolimek) Kenney, great grandchildren; Brock, Grant and Trent Chandonais, Grace, Nelson, and Ava Jarolimek, his twin brother Harold “Butch/Whitey”(Diane Behler) Kempen, sisters Lavern Wiegert, Arlene Brueker, Janice (Erv) Nettekoven, a sister-in-law Sue (Paul Datta), and is also survived by his wife’s family, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, his step mom Mary, siblings; Marion, Marvin (Lucille), Bonnie (Ann), Paul, Dick, Lorna (Bill) Van Handel and in-laws; Roger Brucker, Dave Wiegert and Frances Kempen. 

A memorial service with military honor for Gerry was held.  For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. 

A special thank you to his brother-in-law Harold (Whitey) Nienhaus for his weekly Wednesday visits.  Dad always looked forward to them.  Also a thank you to St. Pauls Elder Services for all the care and compassion especially on Primrose Lane and Fresenius Kidney Care in Kaukauna. 

We always had a special bond between us. Thank you for being my dad. I will always miss you! I Love you, Kathy

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