David Francis Kempf

With his family by his side, David F. Kempf, 71, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis on Monday, March 12, 2018. David was born February 11, 1947 in Fond du Lac to Francis “Corky” and Virginia “Ginny” (Immel) Kempf. Growing up David was an avid athlete and was involved in numerous sports including speed skating, high school track (hurdles), water skiing, baseball, and softball. Shortly after his graduation from Goodrich High School in 1966, David was drafted by the United States Army to serve in Vietnam. Dave was a Combat Engineer (Explosives) in Vietnam from March of 1967 – March 1968. After returning from Vietnam, he spent the remainder of his service with the army as a water athletics instructor at West Point Military Academy in New York. David started his employment at Mercury Marine in 1969 where he was a machinist for 39 years until his retirement. During this time he also worked part time at the Copper Kettle in Fond du Lac for 25 years. He was an avid sportsman, liked hunting and fishing, playing cribbage, poker and hickory nut picking. He enjoyed watching the birds eat from his numerous feeders. David was a member of many clubs, including the Elks Club, Eagles Club, American Legion, Copper Kettle Snowmobile Club, and the Forrest Gun Club. He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Rose Cleveland; his children: Adam (Sada) Kempf and Sarah Davis; two grandsons: Joel and Owen Davis; his former wife, Mary (Olson) Alaniz; four siblings: Keith Amidon, Judy (Kempf) Hall, Susan Kempf, and Linda (Robert) Theyerl; and nine nieces and nephews. David loved to be surrounded by both family and friends. Jim Behnke, Miles Mertens, Joe Enders, Chris Buslee, the Copper Kettle gang, and the D&D gang will all miss his humor, wit and charm. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one brother, William Amidon. VISITATION: Friends may call on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel, 31 East Division Street, Fond du Lac. FUNERAL: A tribute to David’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at Kurki-Mach Funeral Chapel. Trier-Puddy American Legion Post #75 will conduct military services at the chapel. Inurnment will be at a later date at Rienzi Cemetery. The family asks that you make a toast to enduring life-long friendships with David in your thoughts. Memorials will be given to Agnesian Hospice. Special thanks to Larry and the Agnesian Hospice staff for their care and concern shown to David and family.

David Francis Kempf

February 11, 1947 - March 12, 2018