Gordon Lee Kempf

On Friday, November 27, 2020, Gordon Kempf, loving husband, father of five children and grandfather of twelve grandchildren, passed away at the age of 85. After graduating high school, Gordon was in the US Army, Specialist 4th Class, then received his business degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia. He then married Theresa, the love of his life. Together they raised three daughters and two sons. Gordon was a true entrepreneur and a self-made individual, with a true passion for pecan tree farming, American history, and reading in his everlasting pursuit of knowledge. In addition to his life long career as a manager in the automobile industry, he cultivated a wide knowledge of pecan tree grafting and horticulture which he put into practice on his own pecan hobby farm that Gordon turned into a business in its own right. Gordon was president of the Northern Nut Growers Association, when he was also named Missouri Tree Farmer of the Year. Gordon also shared management and ownership of two small business franchises, alongside his wife Theresa. Across the span of decades, Gordon was very active in many philanthropic endeavors including the Down Syndrome Guild of KC, Mission Project and Sheltering Tree non-profit organizations that provide housing for adults with disabilities. He was very active in support of Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, served on the Board of Directors for the Riverbend Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, and was extensively involved with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 9 in KC while his two sons were members. He was an avid lover of nature and the outdoor adventure, where he sought peace and solace. He was known for his steadfast determination and drive for a good life for his family through education and hard work. He will be dearly missed by his family and community. We love you and we miss you, Dad!

A private memorial service and funeral mass will commence at 11:00am, Saturday December 12, 2020, and will be streamed live from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. At the time of the event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/St-Patrick-Catholic-Church-461466814256959/ for viewing.

Memorials in Gordon’s name can be sent to Sheltering Tree Inc. in Omaha, Nebraska, by visiting https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=9AX6H5LVLCF9E, or can be mailed to: Sheltering Tree, P.O. Box 4990, Omaha, NE 68104, or contact Denise at Sheltering Tree by calling 402-973-0229. Sheltering Tree is a supported and affordable housing community for adults with developmental disabilities, to help them lead independent, productive, and fulfilled lives.

Please share your stories and memories or provide condolences by following the “Add a Memory” link below.

You may "Join Livestream" of the Mass in the Services section below. To make a memorial contribution online, please visit "Sheltering Tree, Inc." directly below.