Merlin Kempf

Merlin Kenneth Kempf, 70, passed away peacefully at the Theda Care Medical Center in Appleton on November 17, 2021 with friends at his side. Merlin was born in Wild Rose Wisconsin on August 13, 1951 to Hilda Kempf (Zuege) and Adolph Kempf. Merlin grew up on the family farm in rural Poy Sippi/Pine River and was homeschooled by his mother. Merlin lived with his mother until she proceeded him in death in 1993. He then moved to Berlin to reside with a sibling, later moving to his own home with housemates and support from local residential agencies. In 1993 Merlin began to work and receive services from Fox River Industries which continued to present. Merlin was also employed as a dishwasher at The Mascoutin Country Club from 1996-2002. In his leisure, Merlin enjoyed lazy afternoons watching Old Westerns with housemates, listening to country music, rooting on the Packers or taking in a Nascar race. Merlin enjoyed taking pictures, crafts, animals, and getting phone numbers from lovely ladies he encountered. Merlin also enjoyed fishing, vintage cars, animals, and a good cheese burger. Merlin was a talented teammate in Special Olympics Bowling and Bocce. Merlin is survived by two brothers, Chester Kempf (Mary Jo) of Glendale AZ and Dwayne Kempf of Dahlonega GA, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many special friends past and present from Fox River Industries, as well as his biggest cheerleader, Cyndy Williams. Merlin was predeceased in death by parents, Adolph and Hilda Kempf; eight brothers, Lyman, Larry, Leland, Gordon, Franklin, Clifford, Norton, and Hilbert; two sisters, Vivian and Hilda; and many brothers and sisters-in- law. Visitation will be held at Fox River Industries, Berlin Wisconsin on December 7, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Rebekah Tarras of Grace English Lutheran Church Officiating. Merlin will be laid to rest by his parents at the East Bloomfield Cemetery at a later date. In leu of flowers Memorial donations may be made in Merlin’s name to Fox River Industries.