Eugene “Gene” Leo Kempf, 87, Jasper
Eugene “Gene” Leo Kempf was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1938, to William and Veronica (Stemle) Kempf. He passed away on October 15, 2026, after five brave and determined months living with lymphoma. Gene was surrounded by his family with love, scripture, music and prayer in his last days. John 11:25: I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
Gene married Betty Hochgesang on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1957. As you can see, Thanksgiving was an important holiday to Gene. They were married for 62 years before her death in November of 2020.
Gene built a life centered on family and the things that brought him happiness. He enjoyed fishing, camping, vacations, visiting national parks and hunting. He looked forward to playing cards, taking walks with his dog, Snoop, mowing his lawn, eating at Cracker Barrel or Cranberries and going for drives through the countryside.
Above all, Gene cherished his family. He was blessed with eight children, 18 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He treasured the time he spent with his family. The memories they created together across time and generations will continue to be cherished for years to come.
Gene will be remembered for his love of family, his enjoyment of the outdoors, and his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Though he will be deeply missed, his life and legacy lives on through the many generations of family who loved him and will carry his memory forward. He is at peace now and knows the full joy that only Heaven can offer. Jeremiah 31:13:I will turn their mourning into laughter and their sadness into joy; I will comfort them.
Gene was survived by his eight children: Gene (Sheila) Kempf, Donna (John) Krampe, Geralyn (Charlie) Smalling, Bill Kempf, Mark (Ellen) Kempf, Gary Kempf, Lisa (Jon) Hubers, Jill (Tim) Oeding. Gene was born into a family of 10 children. He was survived by three sisters: Bernadette Elsager and Eleanor Hammond of Indianapolis and Stella Hart of Louisville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers Linus, Anthony, Norbert, and Charles and sisters, Mary Virgina McCoy and Matha Horton,
Gene’s mother passed away before he was a year old. Before he passed, Gene said, “I will get to meet my mother.” That thought brought immense comfort to his family. The family was so grateful for the five months with Gene after his diagnosis.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene “Gene” Leo Kempf will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Mass time at the church on Friday. Gene grew up in this parish, and his father helped build the church in the early 1900s.
Thank you to Dr. Michael Titzer and Ascension St. Vincent Cancer Center and Hospital, and especially to the angels who call themselves nurses. Thank you also to Heart-to-Heart Hospice for comforting Gene and his family in the last days. Thank you to the wonderful people who volunteer for Chemo Buddies and ministered to Gene during his treatments. Your kindness, support and chocolate will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Gene’s honor to Chemo Buddies (LINK), National Parks Conservation Association (LINK) or the Schnellville Church cemetery Maintenance (4444 Ohio St. PO Box 98, St. Anthony, IN 47575 Please designate ‘Cemetery Maintenance.’ This was important to Gene).
Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.
