Paul G. Kemper

To view Paul's memorial service, please follow this link provided by the church

Paul George Kemper was born on January 8, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to G. Jean Kemper and Peter Kemper. The Kemper family moved frequently throughout Paul’s school years. He lived in Pennsylvania, Maine, Minnesota, and Iowa. Paul graduated from Harlan, Iowa, High School in 1971. Paul and Jan attended Sioux Falls College where they met. They were married on June 1, 1974, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paul and Jan graduated from Sioux Falls College in May of 1975. 

Paul worked his entire career, of 35 years, with Norwest/Wells Fargo Bank in a variety of positions. He worked in Faribault, Thief River Falls, Fargo, and Minneapolis. Paul worked extremely hard to provide for his family throughout those 35 years. He retired in October of 2010 to spend more time with family and friends after his initial prostate cancer diagnosis. After retiring, Paul was able to be present for more activities with his grandchildren. He was able to spend several weeks every year with Jan in their favorite place, Maui, Hawaii. He was also able to golf and took several trips with friends to play golf.

Paul was a member and served on the board of directors for some of the golf courses he enjoyed. These included Thief River Falls Country Club, Moorhead Country Club, Oxbow Country Club, Medina Golf and Country Club, and Rush Creek Golf Club. He was active in the Jaycees in Faribault, Minnesota. Paul was also very active in several churches before and after retirement. He served as a finance committee member, as well as a board member throughout the years at these churches.

Paul and Jan were able to move to Moorhead, Minnesota in March of 2020, to be closer to their children and their families, however it was mostly to be closer to the grandkids. He was their biggest cheerleader. Paul made certain that all the grandkids learned to golf and appreciate the game!

Paul passed away at the Sanford Hospice House on May 23, 2024. Paul and Jan were cared for and appreciated the staff of the in-home Hospice team prior to going to the Hospice House on May 20^th. This allowed him to be at home with his family as long as possible. The time people were able to spend with Paul and Jan in their home was a blessing to them.

Paul is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jan. He is survived by his son, Dave, and Dave’s wife, Katie Kemper, and their children, Elley and Olivia; his daughter, Kate, and Kate’s husband, Matthew Leichtenberg, and their children, Mason (Kristina), Julian, Paige, and great grandchildren, Aubrey and Lane. He is survived by his sisters, Ruth Ann Boyd and Mary Beth Williams; as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Steve Soucy. Paul is survived by long-time family friend, Vivian Ruch. Paul was preceded in death by his mom, G. Jean Massey, father, Peter; and his in-laws, Vern and Pearl Loken.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Sanford Hospice or to Grace United Methodist Church for bibles in the sanctuary. To celebrate the life of Paul, if possible, please dress in your favorite golf attire for the funeral service.