Franz Josef Kempermann

Franz Josef Kempermann passed away in Phoenix, Arizona on July 4th, 2025, at the age of 61. Franz was a loving father, husband, brother, and son. He was born in Grevenbroich, Germany, to Franz Albert Kempermann and the late Therese Kempermann. He grew up in Glehn, Germany, as the youngest of five siblings: Peter Kempermann, Maria Weiss (deceased), Ursula Schueller, and Heinz Kempermann.

As a child, Franz enjoyed being part of a soccer team, playing outdoors with friends, skating on a local river, going on memorable school trips, and spending time with his family. Among all his childhood memories, the many family trips to the Austrian Alps were the ones he cherished the most.

At age 19 Franz was enlisted in two-year mandatory service in Germany and served in the Tank Division. He had many interesting and funny stories to tell about that time of his life.

At age 16, Franz began an apprenticeship at Scheidt & Bachmann, which led to a lifelong career in computer engineering. He held many roles in the company’s Parking Division and later became part of the IT Training Group. Franz was highly respected and well-loved by his colleagues and customers alike. His career brought him to the U.S., where he managed projects across the country, including a two-year assignment at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. In 2002, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he took on a management position overseeing the installation and operation of parking equipment at Sky Harbor Airport. He remained deeply involved in its ongoing improvements until the end of his life. Franz built an outstanding career and maintained strong relationships with many colleagues and clients for over 20 years.

In the 1990s, Franz traveled extensively through the South Pacific. His favorite destinations included the Fiji Islands, Sri Lanka, and Tonga. He had a deep love for nature—especially the ocean—and his curiosity and knowledge on the subject were remarkable. Backpacking and island hopping were his favorite way traveling. He met and formed lifelong friendships with people from around the world. He especially enjoyed scuba diving and often shared his amazing travel stories and memories with his family, who loved hearing them.

Franz met his wife, Tatyana, in Phoenix in 1998. They were married on June 14, 2002, and had an amazing life together raising their two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Ava, enjoying many wonderful trips to Europe, South Pacific and Mexico and day to day activities. Franz had an interest and talent in cooking and enjoyed serving his family and friends many delicious meals. Gathering together with family and friends for a BBQ, playing board games with his girls and wife, making his family laugh were the best way to spend time for Franz.

Franz will be remembered as a devoted father, loving husband, son and brother. He was always there to support and cheer you on, to offer thoughtful advice, and to make you laugh. Even during the hardest times, Franz brought humor and light. His kindness, intelligence, beautiful smile, and unforgettable sense of humor will be missed so much by everyone who had the joy of knowing him. Franz will forever live on in our hearts and memory. His daughters will continue his legacy and make him proud.

A wake in Franz’s memory will be held at his home on Saturday, July 19th at 12 PM.