Thomas & Frances Kempfer

Thomas D. Kempfer, age 81 of Plymouth and his wife, Frances P. Kempfer, age 80 of Plymouth passed away this past week. Thomas passed away on Friday, October 25th and Frances on Sunday, October 27th, 2019.

Thomas was born in Detroit on February 8, 1938 to his parents, Leslie and Helen (nee Shaner) Kempfer.

Frances was also born in Detroit on June 6, 1939 to her parents, Hubert and Adele (nee Meganck) Goubert.

Thomas and Frances were the loving and devoted parents of three children – Denise (Jeff) McGovern, Steve (Donna) Kempfer and Rob (Jennifer) Kempfer; proud Grandparents of Thomas (Chelsea) McGovern, Sarah (Paul) Sikora, Mary (Chris) Eskin, Joshua (Cailey) Kempfer, Matthew Kempfer, Daniel Kempfer and Norman Kempfer; Great-Grandparents of Aubrey and Lily. Thomas is the dearest brother of Leslie (Sherrie) Kempfer and Bonnie (the late, Ron) Roszak. He is pre-deceased by his sister Nancy Norberg. Frances is deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her sisters, RoseMarie Fuller (the late, Sam) and Barbara (Gerrit) DeMeulenaere and, her step-brother, Tim (Marianne) Graham, and her Aunt, Mary Pasella.

Thomas was an avid reader and loved history, especially as a Civil War Historian, he loved reading and learning of the stories of the battles, humility, courage, wisdom and - most important – hope. He knew that history teaches us to move forward, recognize the mistakes made and also learned in his studies that this knowledge has applications in almost every aspect of human life.

Thomas enjoyed a thirty-year career at Ford Motor Company as a Metal Model Maker.
He loved working with his hands, and restoring automobiles along with his long-time career at Ford Motor. In his restoration projects, he liked looking back fondly on the designs he once admired that belonged to a previous age and that brought back memories of the feel and character of the vehicle that doesn’t exist with the modern day production line vehicles.

Thomas and Frances were truly “happy campers” when they were able to get away and escape the routine in their RV. They didn’t just visit 49 of the United States, they stayed as little or as long as they could and it provided the greatest experience and adventure while exploring the country.

Frances was a Teacher at St. Damian Catholic School in Westland, and previously, she was a substitute Teacher in the Livonia Public Schools. Nothing made her happier than when she would see her students progress and become excited about learning.

Frances devoted her time to several passions – including gardening. She was able to commune with nature and received great satisfaction watching her plants grow and thrive while she and her green thumb created and maintained a beautiful space outdoors.

Sewing and crocheting afghans for her family was an opportunity to combine colors and textures in different ways to make an item of beauty as a gift for family members. Each item she created was her own masterpiece and will be treasured for years to come. Even in the kitchen, Frances was an artist. She loved to bake for her family. She would mix and measure and always added love to her ingredients. Knowing that what you are making for your family will make them happy is one of the best feelings there is.

Frances was a fun, happy and optimistic person. She had a wonderful sense of humor and knew how to tell a joke She was one of those people who could make others laugh. Her jokes were well-delivered and her listeners would wait for that punch line and a good laugh.

Thomas and Frances were married on November 14, 1959. It is difficult to find a love story that genuinely melts your heart and warms your soul like theirs does. He was devoted to her and she to him. They had 59 wonderful years of married life together on this earth. They vowed on their wedding day to always be there for each other. They were deeply connected. Their lives and deaths were connected in inseparable ways. They were two people who were as close in death as they were in life and completed each other’s final story. After Thomas passed away, it only seemed a few hours later when Frances also passed away. They remind us that marriage is for eternity. They have now gone home to be with the Lord, and will continue to love and cherish one another and celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary and many more to come for eternity in heaven.

Family and Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Sunday, November 3, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.

Thomas and Frances will be in-state on Monday, November 4th, 2019 beginning at 10:00 A.M. until the time of the 10:30 A.M. Funeral Mass at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Thomas and Frances Kempfer to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive - #2217, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108. Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.