Margaret J Kemp

Margaret Jean “Marg” Kemp, age 78, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at Country Manor Memory Care, following a long and courageous journey with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Though her memory faded, the love she gave and the life she lived remain deeply etched in the hearts of all who knew her.

Marg was born on September 6, 1947, in Pawnee City, Nebraska, to Edward W. and Anna Marie (Rea) Ossenkop. She grew up grounded in family, faith, and learning—values that carried her through every season of her life. She earned her English degree from Clarke University, a reflection of her lifelong love of language, stories, and thoughtful expression.

Marg spent many years working for McGraw Hill Education in Dubuque, Iowa, where she built a successful and respected career, retiring in 2012 as a Publisher. She took pride in her work and the relationships she formed along the way, approaching her career with intelligence, dedication, and quiet confidence.

Outside of work, Marg found joy in life’s simple and meaningful pleasures. She loved quilting—each stitch a quiet act of care—golfing under sunny skies, and gathering around a card table for poker with her cherished friends in card club. She also held a lifelong affection for horses, drawn to their strength and grace.

Marg was preceded in death by her parents; her brother James “Jim” Ossenkop; her sister Constance “Connie” O’Brien; her beloved son Christopher “Chris” Manders; her nephew Patrick “Pat” Ossenkop; and her niece Lauren Ossenkop.

She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Kemp, who were wed on February 14, 1992; her children Angella (Lee) Kinsella, Daniel (Rachel) Manders, and Robert (Lydia) Manders; her step-children Ryan (Kelly) Kemp, Regen (Andy) Newton, and Robert (Danielle) Kemp; her sister Sheila Barrett; her brother Thomas “Tom” (Diane) Ossenkop; many dearly loved grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and her dog, Buddy. Marg’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished so deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, from 4-7 pm, with a scripture service at 4 pm at Runge Mortuary & Crematory, located at 838 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa 52807.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or St. Croix Hospice, in honor of Marg’s journey and the compassionate care she received.