Dean M. Kempel, age 90, of Lena, IL passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the Lena Living Center surrounded by his family. He was born March 23, 1933, in Kent, IL to Milfred and Dorothy (Krienke) Kempel. Dean served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He married Margaret Harrenstein on May 14, 1960, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Freeport, IL.

When he was younger Dean worked for the State Highway Department for several years, until Dean and Margaret purchased the family farm. Where he spent the rest of his life farming in the Lena area.

Dean is survived by his wife-Margaret of Lena; children-Donald (Kristen Keith) Kempel, Gary (Amy) Kempel, Anne Kempel-Daws, and Keith (Christy) Kempel all of Lena; 8 grandchildren- Matthew (Emiley) Kempel, Phillip Kempel, William (Codi) Kempel, Nicholas Daws, Ariel (Noah) Zellmer, Samantha Kempel, Andrew Kempel, Emily Kempel; 1 great-grandchild Oliver Kempel and 3 on the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother in infancy, daughter-in-law Martha Kempel and son-in-law Jon Daws.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, November 10, 2023 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 pm, with a visitation prior from 12:30pm until time of service on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Lena, IL.

Father Andrew Hernandez will be officiating the service.

Interment will take place at St. Josephs Catholic Cemetery in Lena.

Luncheon to follow at the Beltline Café in Freeport, IL.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Mcfadden and staff, FHN Memorial and Staff, Lena Living Center, and Leamons Ambulance service. They would also like to thank the many family members  and friends who came to help Dean and Margaret during Dean's illness.

See you in Heaven Dean

Love you, Margaret

A memorial has been established in his name.