Wallace "Dutch" Kempen
April 3, 1921 ~ June 16, 2015 (age 94) 94 Years OldShare using:
Wallace “Dutch” Kempen, 94 of Ontonagon passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 16th, 2015. He was born in Channing, Michigan to the late Louis and Jenny (Okulund) Kempen on April 3, 1921 and graduated from Channing area schools. He enlisted in the Army Air corps in November 1940 and served five years. He was stationed at Hickam field, Hawaii where he was wounded on December 7, 1941 during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. On April 12, 1947 he married Janet M. Rouse in Channing, Michigan moved to Ontonagon and raised their family.
He attended an Apprentice school to become a Horologist and worked at Genes Jewelry in Marquette, Mi. Dutch came to Ontonagon and worked for Klapperich Jewelers in Ontonagon for several years before buying the business and operating his own business Kempen’s Jewelry in Ontonagon until his retirement. He was actively involved in the VFW, Ontonagon Sportsman’s Club, Ontonagon Golf Club and Ontonagon Drum and Bugle Corp. He enjoyed spending time at his hunting camp with his family and friends, playing pool and cribbage at the VFW, trap shooting and golf for many years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his two sons, Dennis of Norton Shores, Michigan and Dale (Sue) of Ontonagon and one daughter, Diane Kempen of Kalamazoo. His 6 grandchildren, Blaine Zartner San Diego, Teagan(Rob) Allison Kalamazoo, Cody Kempen, Dennis, Abby and Aimee Kempen. 5 Great Grandchildren, Lauren, Priya, Cecilia, Lakota and Jayda. A special friend, Phyllis Bailey, several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents, brother Carl Hayes and special daughter-in-law Cindy Kempen.
Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. June 23 followed by a funeral mass 11:00 A.M. at Holy family Catholic Church in Ontonagon, MI with Father Michael Jacobus officiating. Military graveside services will follow at the Channing Cemetery in Channing, Michigan at 4 pm Eastern time. Family is being assisted by Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon with arrangements.
