Lori and I met 18 years ago and I had the pleasure of meeting Ken and Nona soon after.  Ken was the best father-in-law a guy could ask for!  He always had a smile on his face and a new joke to tell. He was also very handy - if I take a look around our house, I see many projects Ken and I did together.  I enjoyed spending time and working with him.  More importantly, Ken was the best grandfather we could ask for.  He spent hours with our boys playing games, teaching them about science and teasing them of course.  I will miss him. Kirk Hunter

Thinking of Ken. I received a humorus email a day or two ago and immediately thought of Ken and his humor. It stated a man was reading a book on "anti-gravity" and could not put it down! I miss you my friend.

To the Kempton Family,
     My sincere sympathy to your family on the loss of Kenny.  He always brightened my day when I worked with him at Bremen.  
Robin Pomeroy

Dear Nona,
I can attest to the fact that there are no words to bring you comfort at this time.  You have a journey ahead that will hopefully bring back joy to your life. You just have to take one hour or one moment at a time to get used to the idea of his not being here.  I will be calling you.

Nona, my deepest sympathy and condolences, Kenny was a good man, a good teacher, I always enjoyed his humor, and his upbeat spirit.
George McClarence

I was a student of Ken's at Bremen High School and will always remember him for his integrity, sense of humor, and passion for helping students learn! The heavens are receiving a wonderful man!

Mike Cline ( Midlothian, IL)

Kenny...thanks for all the laughs, golf games, and poker games.  You will be missed....Jeff Dyke

Dear Nona, I was very sorry about Ken's passing. I played golf with Ken and it was always a pleasure to be around him. I just wish I could remember half of his jokes. I will miss him and will think of him often.
Sincerely Doug Baxter.

Dear Nona and family, I am so sorry for your loss.  I have so many great memories; babysitting the girls, listening to Ken sing Tura Lura Lura to them, wonderful days in Daytona Beach, and the ultimate memory of the pirate treasure hunt!  Ken's smile and laugh was indescribably unique and contagious!  A beautiful man, beautiful memories.  You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family.  God Bless Ken.
Love,
Jim Paddy Jessica and Jimmy Ankrom (Smalley)

Dear Nona,  I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, Ken.  I never had the opportunity to meet him and can only imagine the sense of loss you and your children are feeling.  May you feel the comfort of God's peace and love over the coming days and months.  Sincerely, Lyla Dramise

So many memories of Ken--There were such good times at New Year's Eve parties and dinners at Cozy Corner in Orland Park. There were the good times in Daytona Beach, sitting by the pool, early bird dinners and late nights on the condo balcony. Mexican Dominoes-enough said! The excitement with which Ken talked about his first hole in one. I know that as I remember Ken, there will be so many more good times that I think of. And I want to note that these good times we also shared with his loving wife, Nona. Ken was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Each new life, no matter how brief, forever changes the world.

The memory of Ken will forever be in our hearts.

Dear Nona and Family, I was saddened to hear about Ken's passing because he was truely one of the "Good Guys".We began as teachers so many years ago at Bremen and remained as colleagues for so many years.He retired with a sterling reputation as a fine teacher and positve role model. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this most difficult time. Jim Riordan

Mrs. Kempton & Family: I was sorry to hear about the loss your husband/father.  Kevin's stories about Mr. Kempton's golf and poker prowess convinced me he was someone who people loved to be around.  He may have left this earth but he will never leave your hearts or memories.

Nona,Joice,Lori and family:
We are sad to lost a wonderful neighbor.
He is there with a big smile when we need a hand. We hope it's comforting for family to know he indeed lived a wonderful life.
Love, Karen and Dow Lee

Nona, Joice and Lori,

  Mourning Ken's loss will come in like the tides of an ocean.  Hold on and float with it as the sadness envelops you and then washes away.  Peace will eventually come with time.

Aunt Susie

When we moved to Sun City Grand, I was fortunate to play at Ken's poker table.  At every game, he would have a joke for us; told in his unique way.  He made us feel so welcomed. He took Jerry golfing and invited us to his birthday party. It truly was a privilege and gift to have been part of his life.

Nona, Joice, Lori and your families... 

A life to be celebrated.  Ken's kindness, thoughtfulness, humor and overall joy will always be remembered and carried in your hearts and of those who have the pleasure of knowing or even just meeting him.  

all our love to you

Every one of us who knew Ken became a better person because of him.  He was the most loyal, most loving, most optimistic and most generous of men. He leaves a hole in our hearts that can only be filled with the many treasured memories of his goodness.  His great joy in life will not be forgotten.

Nona, Joyce and Lori, We are so sad to hear of Ken's passing.  He was such a great guy and neighbor.  We recall his many funny stories, jokes and always had a smile of his face. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Nancy Mannning

Nona & family, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I truly enjoyed working with Ken all those years at Bremen. Peace to you.

Nona and Family, We are sorry to hear of your lost. Our prayers are with all of you.

Ken was a wonderful friend and my poker Buddy. I loved him dearly even though he always beat me. He will be missed. My prayers go out to you and your family during this sad time.                Anne & Bill Callahan

Nona, my thoughts are with you and the girl s. Ken was a special man filled with kindness and laughter. I will always love and cherish the the joy of knowing him.

So sorry to hear about Kenny. His emails were  insightful, entertaining.and upbeat, in typical "Kenny" style. He was a pleasure to teach with and he will be greatly missed.

Linda Profetto (Burr Ridge, IL)

Dear sister and nieces, our hearts  are heavy for your loss. Please know we share your grief. With much love...

I am very sorry for your loss.  I have nothing but fond memories of Uncle Ken.  I remembr once when we were up at the cabin he told me that the scar on his leg was from an alligator. I so believed him!  Good memories!

Dear Aunt Nona I wish I could be there.  No words can describe the sorrow I feel for you and the family.  I still remember spending the holidays at your home like it was yesterday.  You all are in my prayers.  Lots of hugs to all of you and God Bless you!  Your niece, Kimberly Sims

Nona & family, you all have my deepest condolences for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather & uncle.....having only meet Ken once in Ia. & several times in Az. I know that he was a great person....he & Pete had great conversations about the people they knew from Evergreen Park. Funny how they found out that they knew each other from high school when we all got together in Ia. Ken & Pete also enjoyed talking about golf..Nona having known you since grammar school I want you to know that if there is anything you need please let us know. I was very happy to reconnect with you & get to know Ken when finding out you lived not far from Michelle, we enjoyed gotting together with you both when we visited out there in March & September each year. Please know that you & your whole family are in our thoughts & prayers every day......Love you Nona,  LouAnn Petersen

MyDear Nona..........I am so very sad for the news of the loss of your husband, Ken.  You are so fortunate to have had so many years together. I will be thinking of you all.

                                                                     Terry Beltemacchi

Dear Nona & Family, we are so sorry for your loss but as you said life is about quality and Ken  had many years of that.  We can still see him running in the neighborhood and that is how we will remember him.  We are praying for you at this time.

Nona and Family......There are no words to describe a world without Ken. He was my best friend since the first day that I met him. There will never, again, be another like him.

Nona and Family,  very sorry for your loss, it comes at an exceptionally difficult time of the year.  We will keep all of you in our prayers as you go forward.  Know that he is at last at peace.   The Smalley Family

Nona-    We're thinking of and praying for you during this time of your great loss.  God bless you!
Paul and Susan Pearce

OBITUARY

Kenneth Craig Kempton

November 10, 1943 – December 6, 2012

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