Wayne George Kempke, 81, of Hutchinson, passed away Jan. 20, 2021, at his home. He was born Aug. 7, 1939, in Ellsworth, the son of George Oakland and Rose Pauline (Schneider) Kempke.
Wayne graduated from Holyrood High School in 1957. He continued to help his parents on the farm and sang music at the Hoisington radio station with his Gibson guitar. Wayne joined the Army National Guard and served his country well. In 1960, he joined Northern Natural Gas/Enron and he and Carol were shipped to Beaver, OK, for 6 months. Wayne used to joke that Carol cried everyday they were there, as all they could afford were tuna fish sandwiches. Blessings came when they moved to Lyons and his work at the Bushton Plant. From there, it was years of work in gas processing in Evanston, WY and Guymon, OK, and third party inspection work that took them all over the US. Wayne finally retired a few years ago after 30 years with Enron, 10 years with Williams, and 18 years as an inspector.
No one worked harder than Wayne. He couldn’t sit still, so everything got his attention as he wanted it to be perfect: lawn (immaculate), kids, house (he built all 5 homes), cars, church, neighbors, relatives, friends, and of course, whatever Carol wanted. His famous butter toffee, of which Carol would up the quantity to be made each year, was perfection. Wayne served many churches as an Elder and gladly assisted Carol in all church activities. His competitive spirit never wavered either, from his 6-man high school football days to golf, horseshoes, and cards. Wayne was a great father, grandfather, husband, friend, relative and teacher. His great sense of humor would light any room. Wayne was always kidding someone, playing the wrong card for amusement, or hitting his putter in the fairway when he said no other club was working.
Wayne married Carol Ann Frohreich in Holyrood in 1959. They had known each other since third grade and were married 61 years. She preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 2020.
Wayne and Carol are survived by: their two children, Terri Curley (Michael) of Denver, CO, and Darin Kempke (Sarah) of Chicago, IL; five grandchildren, Brandon and Austin Curley, Benjamin Kempke (Brittany), Seth Kempke and Madeline Kempke; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Dean, and sister, Sharon Schroeder.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave., Hutchinson, with Rev. Quentin Nuttman and Rev. Henry Blickhahn officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Holyrood. COVID precautions are required. The service will be live-streamed on the Church’s Facebook page.
Friends may call from 1-8 p.m. Sunday, with the family present from 2-4 p.m., at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Youth Club Ministries Meals at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.