Germaine Kempen

Germaine Kempen, 88, was called home to tend God's garden on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at St. Paul Home.

Germaine was born on October 21, 1928 to John and Naomi (Hopfensperger) Van Treeck on the family farm. She was united in marriage to Russell on April 14, 1951 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, and they worked on the Kempen family farm outside of Hollandtown. She was the family photographer. She was very active in 4-H and taught sewing. Her cooking was always wonderful and she made the best sweet rolls. A lover of nature, she tended her large garden and “ever expanding” flower beds every year with the help of her trusty Round up. She was very active in the church, caring for the flower arrangements and the linens. She shared her enjoyment of music with many people through various venues such as 4-H, choir director and song leader in church. She also taught herself how to play the guitar and ukulele. Germaine was a volunteer at St Vincent De Paul. She loved spending time with her family, and time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren will always be treasured.

Germaine is survived by 2 daughters Debbie Kempen, Kaukauna: Bonnie (John) Giordana, Little Chute: 2 sons: Tony (Terri) Kempen, Brillion; Dan (Kathy) Kempen, Hartford; 7 grandchildren: Angela, Uriah (Monique), Nicholas, and Jonathon (Brooke) Giordana, Jenny (Peter) Stevens, Amy (Jeremy) Hunt, and Andy (Jamie) Kempen, 12 great grandchildren, her sister Eyla Mae (Roger) Zwiers, a brother John (special friend Mary) Van Treeck, a brother-in-law, Jerry Schaefer, a sister-in-law Louise Van Treeck, a special friend Biff Brockman, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Russell, a daughter Marianne, a grandson Cody Kempen, a brother Cletus Van Treeck, 5 sisters-in-law: Ruth Van Treeck, Arvilla (Roche) Vandehey, Evelyn (Ralph) Van Lanen, Cordell Rosin Hurst, Delores Schaefer, a brother-in-law, Merlin (Irene) Kempen.

The funeral liturgy for Germaine will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 11:00 AM at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL, ST. FRANCIS CHURCH, 433 County CE, Hollandtown, with Fr. Jerry Pastors officiating. Interment will be in the St. Francis Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016 from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Fargo Funeral Home and on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com. The family would like to extend a special thanks to St. Paul Home's staff and Hospice for their care and guidance.