Michael Dean Kempf

Hastings Funeral Home in Perry is in charge of arrangements for Michael Dean Kempf, 71, of Perry. Michael died August 28,2022 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. He is survived by his wife Sherry Kempf of Perry, daughters Jaime Kempf (Chris Walker) of Perry, Paula Devilbiss of Perry, Jennifer Kempf of Rippey, Amanda Hurrenstein (Andrew Peterson) of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, sons Justin Watkins of Ankeny and Derrick Holmes (Amy) of Perry. Grandchildren Abigail Overturf ( Orion), Piper Overturf, Peyton Overturf, Kaitlyn Devilbiss, Faith Murphy, Lila Devilbiss, Matthew Devilbiss, Andrews Holmes, LoganWinnebrenner Jayden Holmes, Elijah Rollins, Brayden Kempf-Jones and Tucker Kempf-Jones Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 7:00 at the funeral home with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 on Thursday September 1. Services will be held at 10AM on Friday September 2 at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Memorials to help with medical and final expenses may be sent to the Funeral Home in his name. Michael Dean Kempf was born January, 25, 1951 in Maryville, Missouri, and died August 28, 2022 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 71. He was the son of Pauline Susan Kempf. As a small boy of four, his mother died and he was raised by his brother. Michael attended school in Hopkins, Missouri and later earned his GED. At a very early age he entered the US. Army. He was stationed in Texas. Michael was trained in heavy equipment during his service. Michael moved to Iowa where he worked at the post office in Mt. Ayr. He met and later married Madeline Lowry. They were blessed with two daughters Jaime and Jennifer. The couple later divorced. He moved to Perry and worked for the DOT. On May 27, 1995 at the First Christian Church in Perry, Michael married Sherry Lee Watkins and her children became his. He retired after 35 years with the DOT. Michael wasn't one to be idle and he promptly started working for NL Parkison Trucking out of Earlham, delivering supplies to farmers throughout the state of Iowa. He also helped his father-in-law Milton Watkins install flag poles. Michael was a member of the Perry Elks Lodge. His first love was his family. He also shared his love and caring for many kids. Many called him Dad. Michael enjoyed gardening, Westerns and yearly going fishing, and hunting. He is survived by his wife Sherry Kempf of Perry, daughters Jaime Kempf (Chris Walker) of Perry, Paula Devilbiss (boyfriend Steven Jones) of Perry, Jennifer Kempf of Rippey, Amanda Harrenstein (Andrew Peterson) of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, sons Justin Watkins of Ankeny and Derrick Holmes (Amy) of Perry. Grandchildren Abigail Overturf (Orion), Piper Overturf, Peyton Overturf, Kaitlyn Devilbiss, Faith Murphy, Lila Devilbiss, Matthew Devilbiss, Andrew Holmes, Logan Winnebrenner, Jayden Holmes, Elijah Rollins, Brayden Kempf-Jones and Tucker Kempf-Jones. Michael is also survived by his sister-in-law Margaret Kempf; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Milton and Candice Watkins; brothers-in-law Jerry and wife Gay McDonald; Gus and wife Candy Olmstead; John and wife LouAnn Watkins; nieces and nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Pauline Kempf and brothers David and Marvin Kempf. Previous Events Visitation SEP 1. 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CT) Hastings Funeral Home - Perry 1417 Second Street Perry, IA 50220 (515) 465-4691 hastings@minburncomm.net Service SEP 2. 10:00 AM (CT) Hastings Funeral Home - Jefferson 403 North Elm Jefferson, IA 50129 (515) 386-8181 hastingsfuneral@netins.net