Obituaries

Marcella Rose Kempker

Photo of Marcella Rose  Kempker
Marcella Rose Kempker, 80, of Jefferson City, passed away on June 5, 2021, at Capital Region Medical Center. She was born on April 13, 1941, in Folk, Missouri, a daughter of the late Henry and Bertha (Blomberg) Bax. Marcella was united in marriage to Frank H. Kempker Jr. on August 22, 1959, in St. Elizabeth. After attending school in St. Elizabeth, Marcella began her career by working at International Shoe Company. She then spent several years at home raising her six beautiful children, including a son with special needs. While raising her children, she proudly earned her G.E.D then went back to work as a secretary at the Adjutant General's Office and, later, as a transcriber at the Office of State Court Administrator until retirement. Marcella lived every moment of her life to the fullest. She was involved in several bridge groups throughout the community and always enjoyed a game of cards with anyone who was willing to play. She enjoyed going on outings with the Red Hatters of Osage County and attending Knights of Columbus functions. She also had a passion for traveling and making memories throughout the world. She took several bus trips, enjoyed trips abroad, and planned an annual family vacation with her immediate family. Marcella was a proud member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Her strong faith and daily prayers helped her through several life challenges including a successful battle with breast cancer and maintaining a positive attitude through pain and physical ailments. She is survived by her children: Jeffrey Kempker (Linda) of Jefferson City, Julie Kempker of Lenexa, Kansas, Vicki Bramer of St. Charles, Kelli Wolters (Jeff) of Jefferson City, and Amy Kempker of Jefferson City; siblings: Delphine Dickneite of St. Anthony, Virginia Kemna (Gene) of Jefferson City, Harold Bax (Linda) of Jefferson City, Roger Bax (Theresa) of Henley, Virgil Bax (Kathy) of St. Elizabeth, Bernie Bax (Jo) of St. Paul, Missouri, and Mary Sue Leffler of Madison, Indiana; grandchildren: Cortney Holtmeyer (Corey), Ashley Eidson (Cody), Jeremy Wolters, Jared Kempker, Kara Bramer, and Jamie Kempker. Marcella was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 52 years, Frank H. Kempker Jr.; son, Kevin Kempker; brothers-in-law, Bob Dickneite, Alfred Lepper, Max Limbach; and sister-in-law, Lucille Limbach. Family and Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors with Rosary Service beginning at 3:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph with Msgr. Robert A. Kurwicki and Fr. Louis Nelen officiating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Capitol Projects in Memory of Marcella Kempker, honoring Frank & Kevin Kempker. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Published June 8, 2021