It is with great sadness the family of Kenneth Walter Kemper 86 years of Humboldt announce the peaceful passing on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Humboldt District Hospital surrounded by his family. Ken was born on March 17, 1935, to George and Frieda (nee Indra) Kemper in Humboldt, SK. He grew up in the Fulda district and attended Epsen and Fulda Schools. On July 7, 1959, Ken married the love of his life: Armella Aschenbrenner and together they took over the family farm in Fulda. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Yvonne and Russell.
Farming was Ken’s true passion. At a very young age he developed a very strong work ethic. He became a Pedigreed Seed Grower in 1959, producing and selling varieties of seed. His seed business was and still is, known far and wide. At one point he and Russell were among the largest pedigreed canola seed producers in Canada. His love for farming gave him a feeling of self accomplishment at the end of each day. He took a lot of pride and care and was always meticulous in his farming practices and surroundings. Ken had a very green thumb and the farmyard portrayed that. Many an hour was spent raking, hoeing, tree trimming, working trees, planting new grass seed and countless number of trees over the years.
Ken had a gift for music. He played the accordion, sang and yodelled with the Bier Tank Gang for over 20 years where they entertained many people all over the province. He also enjoyed other hobbies: such as curling, golfing, camping and fishing. He and Armella were blessed to travel to many different places. One of his favorite trips was Germany where he thoroughly enjoyed visiting his roots. In 1994, Ken and Armella moved to Humboldt. Ken continued to be active on the farm and drove out almost daily to help Russell. He actively farmed until he was 82. In May 2019, he became a resident at St. Mary’s Villa.
Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Armella Kemper of Humboldt; two children, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Yvonne (Rene) Beaudoin of Orleans, ON and family Chantelle (Marshall) Gogo of Russell, ON and children Madelyn and Emerson; and Russell (Donna) Kemper and son Austin Kemper (Shelby Muller) all of Fulda; sister Norma (Arnold) Fleischhacker of Humboldt; three sisters-in-law: Emma Aschenbrenner of Humboldt, Sally Ashenbrenner of Regina and Delphine Winter of Saskatoon; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his parents George and Frieda Kemper; three brothers-in-law: Raymond Ashenbrenner, Arnold Ashenbrenner and Norman Ashenbrenner and one sister-in-law Viola Ashenbrenner.
A Private Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 17, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. from Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium, celebrated by Abbot Peter Novecosky. Interment followed at the St. Augustine Columbarium. Memorial donations in Ken’s memory may be directed to St. Mary’s Villa Foundation (Building Fund).