WARREN, Illinois/GRATIOT, WI - Rita Kaempfer, age 86 of Warren, Illinois died on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at LaFayette County Nursing Home in Darlington, WI. She was born May 22, 1929 in Monroe, WI to Jacob and Maria (Starnecker) Baumberger. Rita was united in marriage to Paul E. Kaempfer on February 16, 1949 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington, WI. They farmed in the rural Gratiot area. Paul preceded her in death on August 3, 2007. Rita had many vocations and talents throughout her 86 years, Mother, Grandma, Great-grandma, Den Mother for five of McConnell's finest Cub Scouts and friends. They owned and operated Paul and Rita's Tavern in McConnell, Illinois where she fried fish on Friday nights. They sold the tavern in 1974 and built a house in Warren, Illinois where they continued to make new friends and memories. They then worked for Eaton Corporation in Warren. Rita always welcomed family and friend with great table fare and unique humor at many family gatherings and wing dings. She was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ Church in Darlington, WI, the McConnell American Legion Post #1225 and Gratiot VFW auxiliary.
Survivors include a son: David "Butch" (Sandy) Kaempfer of Gratiot, WI,
a son-in-law: Steven Miller of Pearl City, Illinois,
grandchildren:
Brittany (Matthew Rampenthal) Miller of Washington, Illinois,
Lindsey Kaempfer of Janesville, WI,
Miranda (Tom) Zuhlke of Madison, WI,
Jacob (Saviz Fallahian) Kaempfer of San Diego, CA,
great grandsons: Miller and Weston Rampenthal
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter: Pauline Miller, her husband and sister: Mary (Elmer) Hagen, half-sister: Clara "Clari" Rhomer and other sisters and brothers-in-law.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 239 Louisa St., Darlington, WI with Rev. Lawrence Balleine officiating. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington, WI. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the Bartell Leamon Funeral Home, 519 Tisdel Avenue, Warren, Illinois 61087 and also from 10:00 AM till 10:50 AM on Friday, October 16 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington, WI. The STEIL CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 206 E. Harriet St., Darlington, WI is serving the family.
The family sincerely thanks all who made Rita's life good with visits and support.
Survivors include a son: David "Butch" (Sandy) Kaempfer of Gratiot, WI,
a son-in-law: Steven Miller of Pearl City, Illinois,
grandchildren:
Brittany (Matthew Rampenthal) Miller of Washington, Illinois,
Lindsey Kaempfer of Janesville, WI,
Miranda (Tom) Zuhlke of Madison, WI,
Jacob (Saviz Fallahian) Kaempfer of San Diego, CA,
great grandsons: Miller and Weston Rampenthal
nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, a daughter: Pauline Miller, her husband and sister: Mary (Elmer) Hagen, half-sister: Clara "Clari" Rhomer and other sisters and brothers-in-law.
Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 239 Louisa St., Darlington, WI with Rev. Lawrence Balleine officiating. Burial will be at Union Grove Cemetery in Darlington, WI. Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at the Bartell Leamon Funeral Home, 519 Tisdel Avenue, Warren, Illinois 61087 and also from 10:00 AM till 10:50 AM on Friday, October 16 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Darlington, WI. The STEIL CAMACHO FUNERAL HOME, 206 E. Harriet St., Darlington, WI is serving the family.
The family sincerely thanks all who made Rita's life good with visits and support.