died Sunday (Dec. 21, 2014) in Dunklau Gardens, Fremont.
Dean was born to Paul and Elvina (Andreason) Kempcke on December 19, 1921 in Blair, Nebraska. He grew up in Blair where he graduated from high school. Dean enlisted in the Coast Guard in December of 1942, and went on active duty in April of 1943. He graduated from radar school in Groton, Conn. and was stationed on the east coast and the North Atlantic. He was discharged in March of 1946.
Following his discharge, Dean came to Fremont where he went to work for Sampter's Clothing. He was a salesman, buyer, manager, and the vice-president. In his early years in Fremont, Dean attended Midland Lutheran College.
Dean was married on April 29, 1951 to Eleanor Stuenkel. Fremont was their home until moving to Omaha in 1988, and Dean continued with Sampter's until retiring in 1996 after 50 years. During their retirement years, they resided briefly in New Mexico, before returning to Omaha and to Fremont again in June of 2011. While living in Fremont they were members of First Lutheran Church. Dean had served on the church council, and he had also been a member of the Sertoma Club. While in Omaha, they were members of Lutheran Church of the Master where Dean enjoyed several bible study groups. Also in Omaha, Dean was active with the Stephens Homeless Center, and he was the director of several Bridge Club centers.
Survivors: wife Eleanor
2 daughters Joan Marquis and husband Rick Orona of Fremont
Ellen and husband Dan Harms of New Albany, Ohio
3 grandchildren Jordan Marquis
Joshua and wife Katie Harms, and their son Graham
Seth and wife Gabrielle Harms, and their daughter Scarlett
sister-in-law Marilyn Kempcke of Blair
Dean was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Gordon and his wife Enid, Eldred and his wife Irene, and Art Kempcke.
The funeral service will be 10 AM Saturday (Dec. 27, 2014) at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Friday (Dec. 26th) from 3 to 8 PM, with the family present from 6 to 8 PM.
Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Mary JaneThulin
Fremont, NE Saturday, December 27, 2014 Dean was such a special person. He loved Eleanor so much and was dedicated to her and to his family. I missed his daily visits and the times he would bring his coffee cup so we could just talk about the world. He served so many people while at Sampter's and he continued his friendly ways as he grew older and was no longer working. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Marilyn Clapper
Ames, NE Friday, December 26, 2014 Eleanor - I was so sorry to hear about Dean. I remember all the years he was at Sampters. Such a good person. I'm sorry I lost touch with you. I didn't realize you had moved back to Fremont. I will never forget all the years we worked together at County Court. I enjoyed working with you. God bless you and your family. Love, MarilynDan Beckwith
Omaha, NE Tuesday, December 23, 2014 Dear Eleanor,Dean lead a full rich life, thanks to you and the family.
You have my sympathies.
God Bless
Dan Beckwith