Mary Lynn Kempe

Mary L. Kempe, 73, of Blue Grass, Iowa, formerly of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Our Lady of Victory Church in Davenport, IA, with visitation from 10:00 AM until service time. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Wisconsin.

Mary was born on March 24, 1951, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, to Lloyd and Lillian (Schulz) Johnholtz. She was united in marriage to William Kempe on January 23, 1971, in Chippewa Falls; he preceded her in death on September 6, 2024. Together, Mary and her husband owned an ambulance service in Chippewa Falls for 18 years and later a resort in Park Falls, Wisconsin, for nine years.

Mary enjoyed watching Fox News and Game of Thrones, but most of all, she loved attending her great-grandchildren's sports and events. Those left to honor her memory include her children, Rebecca (Nathan) Ramker of Blue Grass, Iowa, and Brian (Michelle) Kempe of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; grandchildren Alexandria (Mario), Kayla, Tyler (Morgan), Michael (Maddy), Ruthanne, Jenna, Grace, Faith, Maxwell, and Benjamin; 13 great-grandchildren; and six younger siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, who was also her best friend.