Pastor Dennis E. Kempf

Pastor Dennis E. Kempf, 87, of Mosinee, entered eternal life on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at home with family and under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born on July 11, 1936 in Rib Falls to the late Ernst and Erna (Utech) Kempf.  Dennis became a child of God through faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, when he was baptized as an infant.  He was also confirmed in the Christian faith at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Rib Falls.  As he was growing up, Dennis attended Northwestern Prep School and Northwestern College, both in Watertown, and graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, in 1962.  He married the former Darlene Thomack at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in LaCrosse on December 7, 1963.

Dennis was blessed to minister to congregations in the Midwest.  He was ordained as a minister of the Gospel at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Indian Creek.  He also served the Lord as pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hustler, Cross of Christ Ev. Lutheran Church, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, Bloomer, and English Ev. Lutheran Church, Viroqua.  He had a heart for training the youth and sharing the Gospel with others.  He also was part of starting a mission in Rice Lake, laying the groundwork for Redeemer Lutheran Church and Christian Day Schools in Coon Rapids, Bloomer, and Viroqua.  Several of his confirmands served the Lord as Pastors and Christian Day School teachers, leading to recognition by The Shepherd Society of Martin Luther College.  He preached his last sermon for the 150th Anniversary at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church, Indian Creek.  Pastor Dennis retired in 1999 to his property in the Town of Mosinee.  In retirement he conducted services in various congregations in Central Wisconsin.  He enjoyed 25 years of quiet time on “The Pond” called Lake Stressaway and in Florida.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene; children, Jay (Kathy) Kempf and Gretchen (Pastor Craig) Wasser; grandchildren, Kyle Kempf, Micah Kempf, Caleb (Micaela) Kempf, Christopher Kempf, Garrett Kempf, Justin (Kellsie) Wasser, Katie (Andrew) Licon, Naomi (Justin) Campbell, and Alexia (Jeremiah) Nita; great-grandchildren, Noah Wasser, Lukas Wasser, Mason Wasser, Stella Kempf, and Talia Licon; nephew, Bryce (Elaine) Kolpack; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernst and Erna Kempf; sister, Pearl Kolpack and brother-in-law, Clifford Kolpack; and nephew, Terry Kolpack.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 2001 Jackson Street, Mosinee, with Rev. Andrew Ewald officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Rib Falls.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Memorials may be designated to Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church for “100 Missions in 10 years.”

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.  AMEN.