Dorothy M. Kemper

Dorothy M. Kemper, 88, of Melrose, died Feb. 3, 2003 at Melrose Area Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial was held Feb. 5, 2003 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose. Rev. Vincent Lieser officiated with interment following in the parish cemetery. Dorothy Kemper was born on Oct. 3, 1914 in Getty Township, Stearns County, Minn., to Fred and Maria (Schmiesing) Ahrens. She was united in marriage to Edwin Kemper on Oct. 8, 1940 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. The couple farmed in the Melrose area their married life. Dorothy was employed at Jennie–O Foods in Melrose for 15 years. She enjoyed gardening, watching wildlife and the outdoors. Dorothy was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, St. Elizabeth’s Society and the Christian Mothers. Survivors include her husband, Edwin Kemper of Melrose; children, Kathleen Klaphake and her husband, Herman of Meire Grove, Patty Beier and her husband, Buddy of Regal, Darlene Imdieke and her husband, Herb of Meire Grove, Joe Kemper and his wife, Bonnie of Big Lake, Joanne Butkowski and her husband, Harvey of Melrose, Jeanne Lahr and her husband, Leon of Sauk Rapids, Ted Kemper and his wife, Renee of Melrose; 23 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Walburga Arnzen of Sauk Centre and Rosie Berscheid and her husband, Edward of Sauk Centre. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Maria Ahrens; one infant granddaughter; brothers and sisters, Edwin Ahrens, Sylvester Ahrens, Ferd Ahrens, Marie Berscheid and infant sister, Catherine Ahrens. Serving as casket bearers were Patrick Klaphake, Randy Beier, Tony Rademacher, Paul Imdieke, Joe Lahr and Steve Butkowski. Cross bearer was Julie Maccario and Sue Klaphake was scripture bearer. Serving as honorary bearers were St. Elizabeth’s Society and the Christian Mothers. Arrangements are with Patton-Schad Funeral Service of Melrose.