Thomas Leonard Kemp, age 75 of Redwood Falls formerly of Wabasso, passed away Thursday, February 22, 2018 after a battle with cancer at Season’s Hospice House in Redwood Falls.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 26 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls.  Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, February 25 at Redwood Valley Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment will be in the New Avon Salem Cemetery in rural Wabasso.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Thomas Leonard Kemp was born October 2, 1942 to Anthony and Bernice (Funk) Kemp in Dubuque, Iowa.  He was later adopted and raised by Don and Ruth Butz, when he was eight years old.  Tom was baptized, received his first communion and was confirmed at Cathedral in Dubuque.  He graduated from Garner High School in Iowa.  Tom attended Junior College at North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, Iowa.  He finished his education at Mankato State, where he also played football.  On June 15, 1968, Tom married Beverly Pluym in Mapleton, Minnesota.  He enjoyed teaching multiple subjects such as Drivers Ed.  Tom dedicated his life to the Wabasso Rabbits by being the athletic director, Dean of Students and coaching football and basketball. Many do not know that Tom also played the violin.  He was a member of the Minnesota Coaches Association, Athletic Director’s State Association and the Wabasso Lions where he was president.  Tom loved anything involving sports including watching them.  He enjoyed playing cards and loved his dogs and cats.  Reuniting with his biological sister was an important moment in his life.  Tom was proud of his family and grandkids.  He went to great lengths to support anything his sons, and later his grandchildren did.  Tom’s life revolved around seeing the many sporting events his grandchildren participated in.  His grandchildren were the heartbeat of his life.

Tom is survived by his wife Beverly; children: Joe (Jessica) Kemp of Wabasso and Chad (Sarah) Kemp of Chaska; grandchildren: Caleb, Tyler, Drew, Grace, Nolan and Austin; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Tony & Bernice and Don & Ruth, sister Carol Cripe, brothers Richard and Jimmy Oswald, sister Jacqueline Oswald, and 2 siblings in infancy.