Lawrence E. Kemper

Lawrence E. Kemper, 78, of Washington, passed away on August 25, 2022. Larry, son of the late Edwin Kemper and Josephine nee Stotko, was born on December 5, 1943, in Ironton, MO. He received his education from New Haven High School. On October 14, 1967, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Ley at St. John’s Gildehaus Church.

Larry grew up on a small farm in New Haven, MO where his love for nature, working the farmland and watching peaceful sunsets began. After high school, Larry spent 3 years in the U.S. Navy in San Diego, California - primarily working in the engine rooms. Following the Navy, he spent about 40 years working for Sporlan Valve Company in Washington, MO, where he retired. He met his wife Carolyn at Stratmann’s Park in 1966 and they had six children.

Larry was active in his church communities both at Holy Family Parish in Port Hudson where he grew up and at his current parish at St. John Gildehaus in Villa Ridge, MO. You could always find Larry working a church dinner, Knights of Columbus breakfast or fish fry. He enjoyed spending time with his family going on vacations, camping and floating trips, decorating for Christmas, and praying the rosary. He was always building things for his children, driving a tractor, or spending time at his farm. If anyone needed help, Larry was there for them. Most importantly, he was a devout Catholic with a strong Christian faith who loved the Lord more than anything.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brother-in-laws, Herb Voss and Michael Ley.

Among his survivors are his wife, Carolyn Ley of Washington; six children, Dan Kemper and wife Michele of New Haven, Brenda Bargen and husband Robin of Washington, Mark Kemper and wife Tricia of Marthasville, Jeanne Finney and husband Jason of St. Charles, Teresa (Kemper) Bridges of St. Peters, and Julie Kemper of Bridgeton; sister, Joann Gilbreath of Ballwin; ten grandchildren, Nathan, Katie, Mya, Ava, Emma, Josephine, Jennifer, Madelyn, Haidyn, and Jamison; in-laws, Marilyn Brinker and husband Tom, Harry Ley, Jerome Ley and wife Mary, Leonard Ley and wife Marlene, Lorraine Sarantakis and husband John, Judy Halmich and husband Bill, Arlene Brueggemann and husband Bill, Helen Ballmann and husband Larry, Jane Fleer and husband Daryl, Ann Ruether and husband Les, Theresa Kopp and husband Mike, Larry Ley and wife Laura, and Bill Ley and wife Lisa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022 from 3-7 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022 at St. John’s Gildehaus Church. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Masses or St. John’s Gildehaus Church.

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