Thomas Kemp

Thomas Kemp

Thomas Kemp

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.

22 thoughts on “Thomas Kemp”

  1. Sorry for your loss Bev and family. He will be greatly missed. Always enjoyed having him as a teacher and seeing him in the hallways of WHS.

  2. Monica Jenniges Turbeville

    Kemp Family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Definitely have fond memories of school, drivers ed and babysitting for the boys. Sending prayers and my sympathy.

  3. Jennifer Kruse Evers

    Kemp family, so sorry for your loss. I remember him in the classes and Halls of Wabasso. Always cheerful, and smiles. Praying for you in the difficult times ahead. May you feel the Lord’s presence as he wraps his arms around you with peace and love.

  4. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was an awesome teacher and a great, kind person. His memory will long be remembered in the hearts of many!

  5. Laurie (Albu) Eckel

    So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was my drivers ed teacher and a wonderful man. I babysat the boys when they were little.

  6. Melanie (Olson) Cook

    My Mom frequently mentioned him. I even talked to him shortly after she passed away last August. My sympathies.

  7. Darcy Wille Senst

    So sorry for your loss. Mr. Kemp was a great teacher, AD and coach. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  8. Bev and family: Linda and I are very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We have a lot of fond memories with him and Bev at all the Auctions. I know that we will see him again in heaven as he had a heart of Gold. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

  9. Linda (Bernardy) Weldy

    Your family has our sympathy. Tom was a kind teacher @ WHS and will be missed by many people in Wabasso. May the memories of his life give you peace in the coming days. Your family is in our thoughts.

  10. Condolences to the Kemp family. I remember how friendly and kind Tom was to all of us when I was in high school; seemed like he always had a smile for us. May your happy memories help you today and in the future.

  11. Jen (Quast) Kuseske

    Bev, Joe, Chad and families,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. I hope your memories will continue to give you comfort during this difficult time. Please know I am sending you many thoughts, prayers and hugs your way.

  12. Vicki Wurscher

    Joe and boys,
    Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I know how proud he was if you and the kids! Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family also to Chad and his family!

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