Fred E. Kempf

Fred was born on July 21, 1941, in San Antonio to Bernice Braun Kempf and Ernest Kempf. He was born into a German family who pioneered in the Helotes area. Known for his integrity, generosity, and strong work ethic, Fred built lasting relationships with friends, coworkers, and extended family who respected and admired him.

He attended Helotes Elementary and Northside High School, later known as John Marshall, where he played on the school’s first baseball team. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Sharon Friesenhahn. They were married on July 29, 1961, in San Antonio and built their life together in Helotes. They had two children, Shelly Kempf Urbany and Garrett Kempf.

Fred shared a special bond with his daughter and adored his grandchildren, Kenedy Urbany and Cooper Urbany. He was a devoted father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Fred worked 38 years at Pearl Brewery, where he formed many lifelong friendships. Baseball and softball were his passions. Fred spent years playing and later coaching his children, grandchildren, and many others at Helotes Little League and Northwest Little League. He supported youth baseball and softball throughout his life.

Fred could always be found at his ranch in Rio Medina, Texas, where he spent time hunting, fishing, feeding cattle, repairing fences, filling feeders, or simply driving around to check on things. He especially loved sharing that time with his family. Above all, his favorite pastime was spending time with his grandchildren, Kenedy and Cooper. He was their number one fan in everything they did.

Fred was involved in many organizations including Helotes 4-H and John Marshall FFA Booster Clubs, Old Timers Sports Association, Helotes Little League, Medina Valley Hunters Club, and numerous baseball and softball teams, where he made many lifelong friends. Fred was a man of remarkable character and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his daughter and grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Sharon, who passed away four months before him, as well as his parents.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelly Urbany (Lou); son, Garrett Kempf (Lauren); and grandchildren Kenedy Urbany (Clayton), Cooper Urbany (Rosie), and Delaney Kempf. He is also survived by sister in law, Bobbie Friesenhahn, nieces, Robin Hughes (Jim), Susan Glenny (Clint), nephew, John Friesenhahn (Wendi), numerous friends and extended family. Other survivors include his beloved cousins: Sharon Rigby (Mack), Karen Martin (Keith), Mary Kossaeth, Pat Davenport, Donnie Davenport (Wanda), Tom Braendle, Cathy Kidwell, Carolyn Orbegoso (Tony), Eddie (Callie) and Jimmy O'Connor, along with their families.

Pallbearers will be John Friesenhahn, Bruce Davenport, Brian Davenport, Clint Kidwell, Armando Jr. Flores, Ross Rigby, Matthew Rigby, and Will Rigby. Honorary pallbearers are James M. Hughes, Clint M. Glenny, Armando Flores, Adam Flores, Michael Flores, and Mack Rigby.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, US, on March 22, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the Rosary at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, on March 22, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 13715 Riggs Rd, Helotes, TX 78023, on March 23, 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by a Committal Service at Evers Family Cemetery, 7103 Forest Pine, San Antonio, TX 78240, on March 23, 2026, at 12:30 pm.