Helen Lucille Kemper

1948-2025

 

     Helen Lucille Kemper, 76 of Montrose, IA passed away Friday, May 9, 2025 at her home.

     She was born May 25, 1948 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Richard and Hazel Bernice Skow.  Helen graduated from Central Lee High School in Donnellson, IA.

     On April 9, 1967 Helen was united in marriage to Gerold Eugene Kemper at Melrose Methodist Church in Argyle, IA.  He survives.

     Other survivors include one son, Mike Kemper of Milan, IL, one daughter, Lora Hatfield (Kevin) of Carthage, IL, two grandsons, Kyle Jorgenson (Liz) who are expecting a little one, and Blake Jorgenson (Andrea) all of Montrose and two great grandchildren, Josie and Jase Jorgenson both of Montrose.  She is also survived by two step granddaughters, Hillary Hatfield of Wasilla, AK and Erika Vermillion (Chaise) of Rolla, MO, one step grandson, Tyler Hatfield (Skylnn) of Keokuk, eight step great grandchildren, Aubrey, Booker, Willow Hatfield and Ember Courtois all of Keokuk and Oliver, Jackson, Kendal Hatfield and Blair Vermillion all of Rolla, MO, one sister, Geri Coats of Pennsylvania, one brother, Dickie Skow (Vickie), one sister-in-law, Louise Skow of Montrose, one brother in law, Ron Kemper (Bev) of Oregon and Helen’s dog, Daisy.

     Helen was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Diane Kemper, four brothers, John Skow, Gerald “Red” Skow, Herman “Butch” Skow and Paul Skow, sister, Norm Curtis, mother in-law, Mable Kemper, two brothers-in-law, Don Kemper and Jerry Kemper, and sister-in-law, Lela Tillotson. 

     Helen had been employed by Scotts in Ft. Madison, IA for over thirty years, until her retirement in 2012.

     Helen loved to garden and would work for hours in her flower gardens.  She found joy in crafting, baking, and collecting cookbooks, always looking for new recipes to share with family and friends.

     A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, May 16 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA.  Burial will be in the Argyle Memorial Garden in Argyle, IA. 

     Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com