Frank “Fritz” Kemp Jr.
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Fritz Kemp passed away peacefully in the early morning of December 6, 2023. Fritz was born March 12, 1940, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Frank and Janet Kemp. He graduated from Nicolet High School in 1958 and DePauw University in 1962, where he was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Early in his career while in Milwaukee, he met the love of his life, Joyce, whom he married in 1970 and cherished for 53 years.
He enjoyed a 35-year career with JCPenney Catalog, working in several cities before ultimately moving to Kansas City to serve as the plant manager of the JCPenney Catalog Distribution Center in Lenexa, Kansas. While with JCPenney, he was active on the United Way board. After retiring in 1998, he continued his friendships with other JCPenney associates for many years.
Fritz tirelessly maintained an immaculate lawn and garden, and many friends and neighbors have commented how they will miss seeing Fritz when driving by the Kemp home. When not in the yard, he could be found at Homestead Country Club, where he played many hours of tennis from 1986 until only a few weeks ago. His talents further included entertaining friends and family on the piano with a medley of his favorite standards.
Above all, Fritz was a devoted family man. Fritz and Joyce raised two wonderful children, Christopher and Carolyn. Fritz and Christopher bonded over the Packers, Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks, and a mutual love of cars. Fritz and Carolyn always shared a close father-daughter relationship, including teaching her to jitterbug while she was in high school. He could always be found cheering on his kids and, later, his grandchildren at their sporting events and piano recitals.
Fritz was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his two children Christopher Kemp and Carolyn Gates (John), two grandchildren George and Lucy Gates, his sister Katherine Mendenhall, niece Tina Kushner, sister-in-law Karen Poklasny, and his sweet dog Dolly.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the American Red Cross or Harvesters Community Food Network.
A celebration of life is planned for Tuesday, December 19th at 2:00pm with a reception following at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS.
My heart is with you in this sudden passing of your precious husband, proud father, and adoring grandfather. There are no words to ease the pain but prayers from me for your strength and peace with our Lord. May all the days be filled with the great memories you have of times together. My love and blessings for all of you. Judy Hansen (John’s aunt)
Frank was much loved by all of the Lenexa JCPenney hourly associates. I remember the time right after he came to Lenexa and we were working the Channel 19 auction he contacted Joyce and had her bid on a pizza party. After she won the bid, he invited everyone who worked the auction to attend. He always took time to talk to us when he was in the warehouse and listened to what we had to say. He made us feel like we were very important to him and the company. Personally, I thought that he was the best plant manager that I worked under.
My deepest condolences to all of Frank’s loved ones.
Dear Joyce and all your family, you and Fritz are among the best friends that we have had the privilege to know. We shared many happy times beginning as neighbors in Columbus. Who would have guessed that nearly 50 years of friendship would pass between then and now. We have been together in Ohio, in Florida, in Wisconsin, and in Kansas and we have shared many of the joys and bonds of close friendship over the years. We share grief and support too as is inevitable over the years. As our families have expanded, our in-law kids and grandkids have become an important part of the circle. Were Orlene still in this life, she would tearfully join me in wishing you strength and love to cherish the memories of the good times and to carry on the good life that has been your blessing. You are our sister; Fritz was our brother.
Every family visit with Fritz was so enjoyable. Sometimes, when we were lucky, he would play a few songs on the piano and his touch was so smooth and professional. He was the love of his younger cousin, Margie Thorsen Reinke and she would often compare me to Fritz’s lean and athletic shape. One of the last times I recall hanging out with Fritz was in the garage of our cousin George “Chip” Thorsen admiring his cars. This was while the whole Thorsen/Kemp clan was at the wedding of Chip’s daughter.
Fritz was all about helping and supporting family and was so generous with the Bennett family. Aunt Ruth remarked about that at her 100th birthday party. With two centenarians in the family, we were all hoping to be invited to Fritz’s 100th birthday party.