William Willie Steven Kempf

William Steven Kempf (Willie), beloved husband, father and uncle, passed peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at LaVerendrye Hospital with his wife Bernice and sons John and Michael at his side.

Willie was born to Martin (Sr.) and Agnes (Melich) Kempf on July 12, 1936 in Fort Frances at the McKenzie Hospital and was a lifelong Fort Frances resident. He attended Robert Moore School and graduated from Fort Frances High School. Immediately upon his graduation he was hired by the Ontario Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company where he worked in their offices for the next 23 years. His employment years also took him to the Township of Alberton as Road Superintendent but his favourite job was as a school bus driver for the Fort Frances Rainy River Board of Education. He drove the Nestor Falls run for nine years and then town runs until his retirement in June 2001. The students that he transported remember him as their “favourite bus driver” and so do many of their parents.

He met Bernice at Plaza Lanes in 1960 and they were married on September 5, 1964, enjoying 52 years of marriage. They built their home on a piece of land in Crozier in 1965 and he resided there with his family for the rest of his days. He loved that property and tended to it with loving care. His sons were so very important to him and he was very vocal about how proud he was of their achievements and successes. Anyone who cared to listen would hear about John and Michael.

Willie was an excellent bowler in his younger years and won several trophies. He was an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan and was able to attend a number of hockey games while visiting John in Chicago. Keeping his home and yard neat and tidy always gave him great pride. He also liked to travel, which he did with Bernice and his sons. but his best travelling years were after his retirement when he was able to travel many times to Finland and the United States to visit Michael and John, which he was able to do until just last year.

Willie was a lifelong, active member of the Church of the Lutheran Hour. His faith was very important to him and it sustained him over the years but particularly in his final ones with the help of his Pastor, Jacob Quast.

He is survived by his wife Bernice (Pasko), sons John (Chicago) and Michael (Helsinki, Finland), sister- in- law, Elizabeth Pasko, brothers- in- law, Frank (Sandra) Pasko, Henry (Margaret) Pasko.

As well, many nieces and nephews on the Kempf and the Pasko sides of the family and Marilyn Allen, his Goddaughter, will remember Willie.

He was predeceased by his parents Martin and Agnes Kempf, brother, Martin, Jr. (Isabelle), and sister Agnes (Charlie) Hill, his mother- and father-in law, John and Anna Pasko, brother-in- law Stan Pasko.

When we think of Willie we will remember him as a kind and gentle man with an easy smile and demeanour.

Cremation has taken place as he wished and a Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2017 where he will be laid to rest beside his parents. An announcement will be made as to the date.

If friends so desire. donations in his memory can be made to the Church of the Lutheran Hour, 508 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, ON P9A 2C4 or Riverside Health Care Facilities (BiPap Machine) 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, ON P9A 2B7 or a charity of your choice.

We are most grateful to Willie’s doctors over the past 9 years, particularly Dr. Jason Shack, Dr. Melanie Halvorsen, Dr. Vanessa Luks, paramedics, the amazing nursing staff of Emergency and ICU at LaVerendrye Hospital who tried so hard to have him spend a final Christmas with us. The respect shown Willie and us will never be forgotten. Thanks also to the CCAC staff that were so kind and helpful these past two years. But most of all, thank you to Pastor Jacob Quast who has been his spiritual guide for a number of years and who was with Willie and us in his final hours to bless him, and comfort him as he entered his new journey. We are also grateful for all the prayers, love and support offered on our behalf by the congregations of the Church of the Lutheran Hour and St. Mary’s Parish.

Go in Peace and Love, good and faithful servant to your eternal reward.