Richard Kempiak

He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1954.

Starting as the original train engineer at the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, he enjoyed that position for the last 16 years. His service included the Town of Buckeye Development Board, a Boy Scout Leader, the Lion’s Club, a Site Steward State of Arizona Archaeological Society, a board member of the Des Plaines Theater Guild and multiple other community service organizations.

He is survived by his wife Carol Sue; sons Richard Allen (Katherine) Kempiak, Jeffery Oscar Kempiak, Jonathon Joseph (Kymberly) Kempiak; seven grandchildren, Amber Watt Thomas, Carol Patrice Kempiak, Kristen Nicole Kempiak, Tristen Kempiak, Baylee Rose Kempiak, Nathan Gerald Kempiak, Owen Jon Kempiak; and one great grandchild, Connor.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Watt; sister Dorothy Busch and brother-in-law, Albert; brother Albert Kempiak; father Richard Kempiak Sr; mother Martha Kubinski Kempiak; maternal grandparents, Anthony Kubinski and Theodosia Weklenshi Kubinski; paternal grandparents John Kempiak and Joanne Lochmann Kempiak.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 25, 2013 at the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium, 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.

In honor of Richard Kempiak Jr, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley and the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium.

Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.