Gretchen Kemp

Gretchen Mary Kemp passed away on August 23, 2020 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota at the age of seventy-nine years and two days.

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, August 28, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton with Fr. John Paul Knopik officiating. Pallbearers will be Curt Kemp, Mike Kemp, Geoffrey Zibell, Trent Zibell, Sam Kemp and Thomas Kemp. Honorary Pallbearers will be the rest of her grandchildren.

Gretchen was born on August 21, 1941 in Long Prairie, MN to the late Albert and Vivian Stephan. She attended school in Long Prairie, and graduated in 1959.

She was united in marriage to Edward Louis Kemp on May 7, 1960 in Long Prairie. The couple made their home in Wheaton, then spent several years in Ortonville before returning to the family farm in Wheaton to spend the rest of their time together.

Gretchen spent the years on the farm raising her children and spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens that she loved. She was a member of Ave Maria Catholic Church, and was active in many clubs, including homemakers and garden club.

Gretchen worked as the dining manager at the senior center in Wheaton for several years.  She also loved to travel and wandered on trips throughout North America and Europe, first with Edward, and later with her Aunt Rona. In her later years she spent time with her friends playing cards or Bunco. She also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Steven Kemp of Wheaton; Pamela (Ronald) Zibell of Wheaton; Curtis (Toune) Kemp of Bloomington, MN; Lisa (Paul) de Neui of Clinton, MN; and Michael (Tessa) Kemp of Woodbury, MN; grandchildren: Jessica (Steve) Porwoll, Geoffrey (Heather) Zibell, Trent (Cassie) Zibell, Sam Kemp, Thomas Kemp, Andrea Tosse, Sarah Tosse, Samantha Tosse, and Jayden Kemp; great grandchildren: Bella and Oliver Johnson, Evie Porwoll and Atlas Zibell; sisters: Jackie Michels, Susan (Vic) Schwinghamer, Denise (Bill) Schillinger; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward, sisters: Annette Wennberg and Deborah Determan; nephews: Shawn and Joseph Rueter; and brother-in-law Al Michels.