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- Kemps, Bernard H. Bernie Appleton
Age 94, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, rejoined his beloved wife of 63 years, Marion, Saturday, February 5, 2005. He was born April 13, 1910, in Uden, Holland, the eighth oldest of twelve children of William and Hariet (Vanderwyst) Kemps. Bernie began his employment at the Post-Crescent on June 1, 1925, and retired 47 years later working as a linotype operator and machinist. He also was in county law enforcement, serving as a part time Outagamie County jailer and deputy sheriff. Then in 1950 he received a governors appointment to become the Outagamie County Coroner and subsequently was elected to fifteen consecutive two year terms. On November 19, 1935, Bernie was united in marriage to Marion Appleton. The couple enjoyed 64 years together until her death in 1999. Bernie was active in volunteer work all of his life. He served in the Wisconsin State Guard, Company B and served as an Appleton Auxiliary Policeman during World War II. He was instrumental in building the Wisconsin Coroners and Medical Examiners Association, and served as President for three terms. He also was an active member of the National Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, and a former six term Co-chairman to the advisory board of same. He also was a charter member and active volunteer of St. Joseph Food Pantry. He was a man of deep faith. He and Marion joined St. Joseph Parish in 1935 where they generously shared their time, treasure, and talents. His motto in life was I like to do good for other people, and he did this by truly living and acting the Prayer of St. Francis. He is survived by four children: Ken and wife Pat of Appleton and children, Mark, Kenlyn (Mark) Mumm, Kurt (Julie), Trisha and Sara; Don and wife Susan, Stockbridge, and children, Peter (Kelly), Erik, William (Jennifer), and Amy; a daughter Linda and husband Fred Hayes, Lakewood, CO, and children Amy and Beth; Robert and wife Nancy, Appleton and children, Andrew and Lauren; great grandchildren: Kimberly, Katie, Michael, Vincent, Abram and Sunshine; a sister Harriet Conrad of Freedom; a brother Martin of Kenosha; sister in law: Josey Kemps of Green Bay; sister in law Margaret Kemps of Appleton; brother in law Joseph (Rosann) Appleton of Kaukauna and Ruth Muelemans, Freedom, numerous nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. Bernie was preceded in death by 4 brothers and sisters in law: Henry, Ted (Minnie), Adrian (Marie), and John 6 sisters and brothers in law: Antonette (Bill) Vanden Hogen, Sr. Mary Annette Kemps, Minnie (Harry) Noffke, Dorothy (Albert) Mitterer, Marie (Sylvester) Lenz, Nora Mae Kemps and William Conrad Sr. The Funeral Liturgy will be on Wednesday February 9th, 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence St. Appleton, with Bernies nephew Msgr. James Vanden Hogan, Rev. Larry Abler, OFM, Cap and Deacon Mark Farrell officiating. Friends will be received on Tuesday, February 8th from 4-8pm at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer Funeral Chapel, and again from 9am Wednesday directly at the church until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for the St. Joseph Food Pantry.
God saw he was getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around him, And whispered, Come with me. With tearful eye we watched him suffer, And saw him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, We could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands to rest: God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
The family would like to thank the staff at Rennaissance Assisted Living where Bernie resided for three and a half years. Their care and concern for him was exceptional. Theda Care Hospice also deserves recognition for their outstanding services.
Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer 606 N. Oneida St. Appleton 733-7383 www.btlfuneral.com
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1910 - 2005 (94 years)
