September 9, 1929 – November 20, 2024
Jerome “Jerry” Kemper, age 95, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at his home in Osgood. He was born on September 9, 1929, to the late Joseph and Catherine (Dahlinghaus) Kemper of Maria Stein.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Bernadetta (Rutschilling), whom he married on October 6, 1953. He is also survived by their nine children: John and Michelle Kemper of Scott, Arkansas; Dave and Bonnie Kemper of Allyn, Washington; Nick and Tami Kemper of Yorkshire; Mike Kemper of Versailles; Jane and Nick Schlater of North Star; Neal and Dawn Kemper of Knoxville, Tennessee; Jerry and Naomi Kemper of Osgood; Robert “Bert” and Jackie Kemper of Osgood; and Ann and Brad Yerick of Versailles. Also surviving are 30 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, along with his brother Joseph Kemper of Maria Stein and in-laws, Leroy and Doris Rutschilling of St. Henry; Wilber “Bill” Rutschilling of St. Henry; Rosanne and Robert Schoen of Montezuma; Connie Fullenkamp of Montezuma; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Brandi; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel Kemper and Irene Schlater; his brothers and sister: Werner and Viola Kemper, Linus and Georgia Kemper, Rita and William Baltes, Wilbert Kemper, and infant Francis Kemper; as well as his in-laws: Shirley Kemper, Norma and Roman Huelskamp, Esther and Norbert Puthoff, Elmer and Doris Rutschilling, Gilbert Rutschilling, and Aloys Fullenkamp.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Jerome also served as the Mayor of Osgood. He was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Osgood, the American Legion in Maria Stein, the Knights of Columbus in Versailles, and the VFW in Chickasaw.
Jerry had a passion for life that he shared with all around him. He enjoyed bowling in both couples and singles leagues until the age of 90 and loved playing cards with family and friends. He was a dedicated participant in the American Legion color guard and cherished attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and special occasions. A true tinkerer, Jerome spent countless hours restoring old tractors, flying remote control planes, building doll houses, and reading on his front porch. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, and there was nothing he couldn’t fix.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Osgood. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Martin’s Catholic Cemetery in Osgood. Family and friends may call from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, or from 9-10 a.m. on Monday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Legion of Maria Stein. Online condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.
Jerome’s life was one of dedication, service, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.