Arlys L. Kempf

Arlys L. Kempf

April 11, 1933 - January 12, 2025

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Obituary

LIVESTREAM SERVICE:

Arlys’ Livestream Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. CT on Friday, January 24, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”



FITCHBURG - Arlys Louise Lobitz Kempf died peacefully on January 12, 2025, with her husband, Lee, and family nearby.


Arly was born on April 11, 1933, to parents Walter and Louise Lobitz in Watertown, Minn. She was the youngest of four children and grew up on their family farm. Arly began her education in a one room schoolhouse. Her life-long love of reading began with the school’s “library,” two large bookcases where she could take home a different book every night. She moved to a larger school in 4th grade and then attended Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating with degrees in English and mathematics in 1955.


She embarked on the first of a lifetime of adventures when she took a teaching job in Michigan where she met her husband, Lee Kempf. They married in 1957 and within a few years moved to Madrid, Spain, where Lee taught at the high school at the Air Force base. They traveled throughout Europe and it sparked a love of travel that continued for the rest of their lives.


Lee and Arly raised two daughters and after four years in Spain they moved to Madison, Wis. Arly had substituted for the high school librarian in Spain and loved it. So, when they moved to Madison, Arly obtained her master’s degree in library science and started many happy years as an elementary school librarian. She taught at Glendale Elementary for 20 years.


Arly leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Lee; and daughters, Jody Kempf (Mark Yeazel) and Jill Kempf (Don Blankenship). She had five beloved grandchildren, Linnea and Nathan Yeazel and Kate, Sofie and Jackson Blankenship; and one great-grandson, Ian Wild. She was preceded in death by her sister, Hazel Rosenthal; and brothers, Lloyd and Don Lobitz.

 

She will be greatly missed by her family, but her example of a life well lived inspires us all.


A visitation will be held at MIDVALE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 24, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow.


Memorial contributions may be made to the Madison Public Schools Foundation, the Fitchburg Senior Center, or the Fitchburg Public Library.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002


Events

24
Visitation
Fri Jan 24, 2025 @ 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
Midvale Community Lutheran Church • 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711
Get Directions
24
Memorial Service
Fri Jan 24, 2025 @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM CDT
Midvale Community Lutheran Church • 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711
Get Directions

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Memories

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Arlys
LT
Lynne Toseff
Other •
My memory of Arlys is from Glendale Elementary School. My two daughters were students there and I was on support staff. Arlys always had amazing book fairs where she had books at very low costs to the students to purchase. The day after a book fair, my oldest daughter came to the breakfast table with a book from the event. When I asked her where it came from because I knew we had not purchased it, her reply was, "Mrs Kempf gave it to me." After a little questioning, we got ready for the day at school (with the book in hand) and arranged a meeting with Mrs Kempt during a free time. The daughter had to hand the book back to Mrs. Kempf, apologize, and give her reason for taking the book. And, as often happens, it became my fault. I was in another part of the building during the book fair, helping with another activity, she really wanted the book and knew someone else might purchase it. Mrs. Kempf told her that in the future, my daughter should take the book to her and ask her to hold it until I could be found in order to give this child the money to pay for the book and all would be OK. There was a little talk by Mrs Kempf about the difference between stealing and purchasing. I don't remember the outcome for that book, but I think a lesson was learned that day. Thank you Arlys. Blessings to your family.
KN
Kristi Landry Necochea
Other •
Some of my favorite memories of Glendale involve the library and Mrs. Kempf. Miss Wohlner taking our class to story time where Mrs. Kempf’s voice captured and held our attention with every turn of the page. She patiently taught us how to use the card catalog and rewarded good behavior with allowing us to listen to records on the record player with headphones or reading in the little house/fort filled with pillows. She began my lifelong love of reading. What a wonderful person.
JR
Judi & Bob Rubinq
Other •
Bob and I moved in to a condo in 2019 right next door to Arly and Lee. They were both wonderful neighbors, kind and always interested in our lives. They spent summers and early fall on their screen porch where we alway could hear their lively chatter and laughter. Even in their 90's it was obvious they were still very devoted to each other. I visited them a few times and they were gracious and welcoming. Arly was so bright and cheerful even after a fall put her in rehab for several weeks. We were so happy to see her return home. We were very saddened to learn of her recent illness and her passing 7 days ago. We will miss seeing Arly next door. May her memory be for an eternal blessing.
JR
Judi & Bob Rubin
Other •
Dear Lee, Jodi, Jill and family,Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Arly. We will miss seeing her nearby.With our love,Judi & Bob Rubin
MO
MaryJo Olson
Other •
I had the privilege of knowing and learning from Arly Kempf, my Supervising Teacher, when I returned to UW for a Library Science degree. Arly was a wonderful librarian, educator, and role model… admired and respected by staff and students! Her example guided me throughout my career as a school librarian. My sympathy to the family and friends of Arly Kempf. Mary Jo Porter Olson
JJ
Julie Jacobson
Other •
My heart goes out to all of you. Lee and Arly were such great friends with my parents Kerm and Jan. Thanks for all the pot luck stories and memories.

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