Dolores Kempf Obituary

Dolores Mary (Straetz) Kempf
99, passed away on July 7th, 2025, with family by her side -- just 40 days short of her 100th Birthday. She was born to Elizabeth (Machia) and George Straetz Sr. in Glidden, Wisconsin on August 16th,,1925. She was the last living person of her generation in both the Straetz and Kempf families.
Dolores was a downtown girl living next to her Dad's bar on main street Glidden for most of her early life. She married Frank J. Kempf on April 3rd, 1943, in Glidden, where they raised seven children until Frank's passing in 1971.
Dolores' out-of-the-home career started in the Crutch Factory. After several years, its closure brought her to the Glidden Mill for a short time. She then worked over 20 years at St. Croix in the machine shop before retiring. But not for long! Her favorite workplace was the Forest Service in Glidden. Starting on the Green Thumb Program, working in the field, and eventually working in the office doing administrative tasks. She often said how much she loved her job and loved being recognized and appreciated. In 2011, after 26 years with the Forest Service, she retired again, at the age of 87.
Family and Faith were the pillars of her longevity and helped in her overcoming the hardships endured through those 100 years. Something her family could always count on was her strength and courage. Family meant everything to her. From her children to her great-great grandchildren, they always brought a smile to her face. She often said, "That is what keeps me going".
Gramma D (as she was lovingly called) was blessed with 18 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great grandchildren. Also surviving her are three children; Dolly (Tom) Rein of Marshfield, Lenny (Barb) Kempf of Glidden, Tim (Sandy) Kempf of Three Lakes. Daughters-in-law; Karen J. Kempf of Glidden, Janice Kempf of Glen Ellyn, IL, Karen A. Kempf of McHenry, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and four children; Frank R. Kempf, Robert A. Kempf, Wendy S. Wilson and Jeffrey J. Kempf; and Son-in-law Scott Wilson; also, brothers George, Vernon "Jim", Tommy, Denny, Bobby, Aloysius "Grant", Joseph, John "Hunts"; sisters: Pearl Schultz, Nora Robertson, Marcella Gersich, Margaret Winkler/Mohr, Harriet Pankratz; and many other relatives.
Some of her favorite things were cooking and baking. Whether it was for one or for 21 – there was no one better. But the highlight of her days were spending time with her family.
She was a member of the Most Precious Blood Church; St. Anne's Sodality; the VFW Auxiliary; Glidden Senior Center Volunteer; Milwaukee Brewers Fan Club; and active with the Glidden Historical Society. She regularly attended local grandkids events and activities.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in Glidden, Wisconsin on her 100th Birthday, August 16, 2025. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am with the Mass beginning at 11:00 am. Burial following Mass at MPB Cemetery followed by luncheon in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to any of the following organizations. – St. Anne's Sodality, 256 E. St., Glidden, WI 54527 - Senior Center, 337 York Rd, Glidden, WI 54527 - Glidden Historical Society, PO Box 73, Glidden, WI 54527
The family would like to thank the Park Manor staff for their love, care, and support. Also, a special thank you to Dr. Daniel for over 20 years of professional care.