Betty J. Kempf

Dateline Jasper, Indiana Betty Jean (Hochgesang) Kempf, daughter of Lawrence and Clarissa Hochgesang, was born on September 6, 1939 and went to her Heavenly home on November 8, 2020. She lived 81 years of joy, faith and giving. Betty leaves behind her loving husband, Eugene. They would have been married 63 years on November 28. Betty and Gene raised eight kids, four sons and four daughters: Eugene (Sheila), Donna (John) Krampe, Geralynn (Charlie) Smalling, William (Shellia), Mark (Ellen), Gary, Lisa (Jon) Hubers, Jill (Tim) Oeding. Betty’s legacy also includes 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Betty will be remembered by her sister, Shirley (Clarence) Rottet and her sister-in-law and life-long friend, Sue (Charlie) Kempf. She was preceded in death by her parents Clarissa and Lawrence Hochgesang. Betty and Gene loved to travel. They traveled the United States from coast to coast, Alaska and Germany, twice. Family vacations were a yearly event. It was important to them that their children experience the beauty our country has to offer. One hot summer July day they loaded the station wagon with all eight kids, clothes and food. They all drove to the Southwest for two weeks exploring. Yes, that was 10 people, 1 car, 2 weeks, thousands of miles with no air conditioner and many fond memories. Camping, fishing and cards were a favorite pastime for Betty. Gene and Betty belonged to the Hoosier Campers Club. She loved playing cards and sharing meals with her friends. She especially loved her dear camping friend, Johanna Vaal. Their meeting in Heaven must have been a beautiful sight. In addition to her 8 children, Betty helped raise dozens of other children as a childcare provider for over 40 years. She had fond memories for all the children that were entrusted into her care but had a special relationship with Andrea, Michelle, Joe, and especially Adam Hedinger. Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be missed by many. Betty will also be missed by her sweet dog, Coco. The love and care provided by Michelle and Denise from Kindred Hospice is deeply appreciated. Betty was able to stay at home surrounded by her family until the very end because of these wonderful ladies. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to Holy Family Catholic Church in Jasper, IN or Sacred Heart Church Cemetery in Schnellville, IN. Private visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church with burial in the Sacred Heart Church Cemetery in Schnellville, Indiana. The Mass will be live streamed at http://www.holyfamilyjasper.com/ Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.

Betty J. Kempf

September 6, 1939 - November 8, 2020