Barbara J. Kempker

Barbara J. Kempker, 93, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 3:21 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in Fort Madison. She was born on August 20, 1932 in Galesburg, IL to George E. & Emma E. Garthaus Hunsaker. She married Robert H. Kempker on August 1, 1953 in Fort Madison, IA. He preceded her in death on June 7, 2017. She and her husband, Bob, founded Kempker Hardware, which they owned and operated for 40+ years. She was a member of Holy Family Parish and enjoyed dancing, car rides, her card club of 50+ years, ice cream and listening to music, especially Kenny Rogers. She and Bob loved attending all their grandchildren’s activities throughout the years.

Barb is survived by: 1-son: Chuck (Dawn) Kempker of Fort Madison, IA; 4-daughters: Sharon (Steve) Thomas of Nevada, IA, Debra (James) Conaway of Carolina Beach, NC, Sandy (Dave) Holtkamp of Fort Madison, IA, & Peggy Kempker of Las Vegas, NV; 12-grandchildren; 29-great grandchildren; 2-great great grandchildren and 1-sister in law: Dorothy Kempker Pohlpeter of West Point, IA. She was preceded in death by: her parents, husband, 1-granddaughter: Dallas Hnat, 1-brother: Orville Hunsaker & 1-sister: Joan Tournear.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory. Online condolences to the Kempker family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.