Brian E. Kempkes, Sr.

In the summer of 1966, he met his future wife Marsha Will and her sister Beverly Will. Beverly was 12 years old and Marsha was 16 when they first met Brian. They were “cruising” the Main Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. There they met Brian and his friend Marvin. A drag race between the two ensued. Marsha was infatuated with Brian from the start. From there a nearly 48 year romance was kindled.

Brian married Marsha Will on July 2, 1969 at United Methodist Church in Lincoln Nebraska.

He spent 4 years, from 1967 to 1971, as a Crew Chief and Buck Sargent on B-52’s in Vietnam. During this time he and his bride sent many love filled letters to each other. Brian came back from Vietnam and continued to serve his country in the National Guard as a MOS platoon leader from 1975 to 1995. He served his country for 23 years. Even as a civilian Brian continued to serve his community by working at Austin Energy as a Utility Billing Analyst for 15 years, and 20 years with Southern Union Gas Co.

During this time he was a loving husband and devoted father to two young men. He was a constant source of laughter for his family

His niece Michelle remembers one Christmas quite fondly. Her mother had gotten Michelle her first training bra. Her Uncle Brian couldn’t resist the chance to make the whole family laugh by dawning the bra on his head, much to the horror of his young niece.

Brian was known for his practical jokes and quick wit.

Brian was known for his meticulous care for his vehicles. One Christmas Beverly left her vehicle at Brian’s house. When she returned, to her sweet surprise, her car was washed and vacuumed and meticulously cleaned. During Christmas she received a package from Brian. It was full of the trash from her car which included old French fries and many McDonald’s wrappers. Under all the trash was a gift certificate for McDonalds which said “Merry Christmas from the Kempkes family, to help get you started again”

Cousin Kelly remembers Brian’s sense of humor fondly, calling him “naughty and feisty and being full of antics”

Under all the silliness was an intelligence and love for knowledge that was an inspiration to us all. His keen mind and quick wit inspired many debates. He had many passions in life, from aviation to pigeon keeping. Speaking about his passions would give him great joy and light up his eyes with the fever of delivering knowledge to others. He passed this trait to his son Trent in his love for rockets.

Though, in his later years, he suffered a long illness Brian never lost the humor in his heart. Even in the ICU, with a tube in his mouth, he still managed to give a flirtatious smile to Nurse Jade. She said that she would never forget that. Even in his final moments Brian was touching people’s lives with humor.

Brian is preceded in death by his son Brian Earl Kempkes, Jr.

Leaving to cherish Brian’s memory is his loving wife Marsha Will Kempkes; son, Trenton John Kempkes; siblings, Bruce Kempkes (twin), and Karen Kempkes.

Please share memories of Brian and extend condolences to his family on his memorial page.