KEMPER, SR., John Wesley

Sunwest Funeral Home & Cemetery, El Mirage, Arizona John Wesley Kemper, Sr. October 23, 1949 ~ November 21, 2012 John Wesley Kemper Sr., 63, passed away November 21, 2012. He was born October 23, 1949 in Harvey, ND and was raised on the Drake farmstead. He attended the Wahpeton State School of Science where he received a business degree. John was drafted and proudly served his country in the US Air Force during the Vietnam and Desert Storm Era. After 30 years of service, he retired from the USAF as a Master Sergeant of the 944 Tactical Fighter Wing. His second retirement was after 40 years of employment at Luke Air Force Base. John leaves a legacy of love, to give and never receive, help those in need, and supported veterans daily. His Christianity and his love for GOD were the most important things in his life, he served as a Deacon in his church for 15 years. In his spare time, he was a member of the AZ Chapter of the Studebakers Club with his 1956 Hawk. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 38 years, Annie; his daughter Sherilyn (Lalo) Soto; his son John, Jr (Katie); grandchildren Drake Kemper, Chase Kemper, Natalia Soto, and Eduardo Soto; mother Freda McKay; uncle Herbert Blumhagen; aunts Verna (Dave) Carlson and Florence Blumhagen; sister Linda (Art) Grochow; brothers Weston (Val), and Paul (Barb); numerous family and friends; and lastly, his beloved boston terrier, Priscilla. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, from 5 to 8 pm at Heritage Funeral Chapel, 6830 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, AZ. A Funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 10 am at West Olive Church of Christ, 10935 W. Olive Ave, Peoria, AZ. Graveside service with full Military Honors will follow at Sunwest Cemetery, El Mirage, AZ.