Frank "Skip" Richard Kempf Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Frank “Skip” Richard Kempf Age 75, of Glidden, died on Wednesday May 8, 2019 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield. He was born on August 28, 1943 in Park Falls, the son of Frank and Dolores (Straetz) Kempf. After graduating from Glidden High School, Frank attended the Ashland County Teachers College and U.W. Eau Claire, earning his bachelor’s degree in education. On June 27, 1964 he married the love of his life, Karen Bonney in Glidden, WI. The couples wedding was officiated by Fr. Dean Buttrick, who will also be officiating the funeral. Frank was a teacher for 3 years in Boyceville and 3 years in Chetek before teaching in Glidden. Through his life, Skip owned and operated many businesses such as Kempf’s Transportation, Kempf’s Sales and Service Auto Parts, Skip’s Amoco, and Black Bear Roller Rink. In 1989 he became the Executive Director of the Ashland Area Development Corporation (AADC). After retiring from the AADC, he took the position of Executive Director of the newly formed Park Falls Area Development Corporation. Skip was named Person of the Year by the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, was a past Chairman of the Town of Jacobs, and a member of the Ashland County Board of Supervisors. He was a co-founder and coach of the Glidden Little and Pony Leagues, a member of the Glidden Athletic Association, president of the Glidden Area Historical Society, and was very involved in the restoration of the Glidden Area Historical Museum. He was a volunteer fireman and very active in his community in so many ways, including being active in the Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Glidden serving as a Parish Council member for many years. Skip was very athletic and enjoyed both playing and watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. For those that knew him, he had a keen sense of humor and was well known for being able to fix anything especially with the right tools: duct tape, zip ties and tear grease. Skip also enjoyed family time at the lake and spending time with his brothers and family during hunting season. He will be sadly missed by many, but we will remember his favorite saying: “It’ll be fine”. He is survived by: His wife Karen of Glidden His mother Dolores Kempf of Glidden (4)children: Dr. Roberta “Bobbi” (Charles) Damrow of Park Falls Marty (Talitha) Kempf of Osseo Ann (Timothy) Kief of Park Falls Christian (Carol) Kempf of Ashland (11)grandchildren: Cayle & Riley Damrow Abigail, Madeleine, & John “Jack” Frank Kempf Grayson, Grant, & Frank John Kief and Jennifer, Jessica, & Gina Kempf (1)sister: Dolores “Dolly” (Tom) Rein of Marshfield (3)brothers: Leonard (Barbara) Kempf of Glidden Timothy (Sandy) Kempf of Sun Prairie Jeffrey (Karen) Kempf also of Sun Prairie (2)sisters-in-law: Janice Kempf of Glen Ellyn, IL Maxine (Clifford) Butler of Glidden (1)brother-in-law: Patrick (Rose) Bonney of Glidden His good friend: Choppy Lenz along with many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, his brother Robert Kempf and his sister Wendy Wilson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2019 and will begin promptly at 11:00am at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Glidden. A visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:00am until the hour of the service. Interment will take place at Most Precious Blood Catholic Cemetery in Glidden. The Novitzke Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.novitzkefuneralhome.com

Frank "Skip" Richard Kempf

August 28, 1943 - May 8, 2019