Cover photo for John M. Kemkes's Obituary
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1931 John 2016

John M. Kemkes

January 29, 1931 — February 20, 2016

John M. “Pa, Pinkey, Peanut” Kemkes, 85, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at home with his family and friends by his side. John was born on January 29, 1931 to Frank and Matilda Kemkes.

John was united in marriage to Shirley Ulrich on April 12, 1999.

John is survived by his wife Shirley, children: John (Debbie) Kemkes, Cindy (Tim) Martzahl, Jim Kemkes, Julie (Kirk) Hoffman, his grandchildren: Matt (Jean) Kemkes, Ben Kemkes, Peggy (Gene) Howard, Casey (Aaron) Neverman, Michelle Kemkes, Cory Kemkes, Crystal (Matt) Weinert, Heather (Joel) Bennett, Faith Hoffman and 12 great grandchildren. His sister Dolores (Dallas) Curtis, Henry Jr. Brooks, Father Charles Brooks, Janet (Jake) Huber, Betty (Marv) Rademacher, Roger (Alice) Brooks, Judie Brooks, and special friends Neil Damhouser, Greg Lauer and Pat Stumpf. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Also survived by Shirley's children: Debbie (Mike) Zuelhke, Greg (Dawn) Ulrich, Susan (Joe) Havinga: 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

John was proceeded in death by his late wife Theresa (Brooks) Kemkes, a son-in-law, Robert Peterson, his parents: Frank and Matilda Kemkes, Norman (Marie) Kemkes, Lester Kemkes, Joe Kemkes, Lawrence (Mary) Kemkes, Clara (Richard) Kilgas, Adeline (Clarence) Kniece, Agnes (Eugene) Wieseckel, Helen (Martin) Vanden Heuvel, Margaret (George) Leyen, Anna (John) Vanden Heuvel, Marie (George) Leyen, Wilmar (Helen) Brooks, Jacob Brooks, Adrian Brooks, Joe (Betty) Brooks, Richard Brooks, Mary Alice (Paul) Skell, Roseann (Fred) Ponschock, Franklin (Janelle) Brooks, Sister Mary Henry Brooks, Virginia Brooks, Jan Ulrich, Michael Ulrich, Jordan Myes.

John retired after 44 years of employment at Appleton Papers Locks Mill in Combined Locks.

John enjoyed spending time at WIR in Kaukauna cheering on his son Jim and contributing to his grandson Cory's success in racing. He enjoyed socializing with friends and family with a beer in his hand. John was an active member in the VCCA (Vintage Car Club of America) of the Packerland Region. He enjoyed participating in the local car shows. He spend many hours restoring vintage Chevrolet cars and bringing them back to their natural beauty. He had restored more than 13 vintage cars and was proud to exhibit them at the car shows.

The funeral liturgy for John will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 11:00 AM at HOLY SPIRIT, HOLY NAME CHURCH, 600 E. Kimberly Ave. Kimberly. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Jansen Fargo Funeral Home and on Wednesday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church. Interment will be in the parish cemetery with military honors. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com.

Special thanks to the Affinity Hospice staff, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, and all the friends and family that assisted with his care.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John M. Kemkes, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, February 24, 2022

9:30 - 11:00 am

Holy Spirit Parish - Kimberly

600 E Kimberly Ave, Kimberly, WI 54136

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