Alvera Kemper

The family of Alvera LaVon Kemper announces, with great sadness, her passing on November 8, 2014 in Oak Park Heights, MN.

She was born May 28, 1924 in Hibbing, MN to Eva (Skoog) and Alger Nichols.

She spent her youth in Minneapolis, where she graduated from Central High School in January, 1942. Alvera was employed at the University of Minnesota, the VA and at Honeywell during the World War II years.

On November 13, 1948, she married Robert (Bob) Kemper at St. Kevin's Catholic Church in Minneapolis. They were married almost 60 years, until Bob passed away September 25, 2008. They lived in Park Falls, WI their entire married life, together raising six children while actively participating in local school, church, youth and civic activities.

Alvera was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and a charter member of the Study Club - a group of like-minded women who met monthly at each other's houses for Bible and Catechism study. She always said she belonged to the Study Club her whole life (even though it ceased to meet many years ago), as those women remained lifelong friends. She was also active in St. Anthony's Home and School Association, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Catholic Daughters, Christian Mothers and Christian Women.

Alvera was a math whiz, Bridge player, crossword genius, and avid Minnesota sports fan. But most of all, Alvera loved to bake and cook for her family and friends. Her recipes are treasured by her children and grandchildren, especially her cookie recipes. Guests were always welcome especially if they were "good eaters." There was always extra room at the table and she was known for her many acts of kindness and inclusion. Alvera loved Christmas, and always made it a special time of love and sharing for her family.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Don) Klubertanz of Gainesville, FL; Thomas (Diane) Kemper of Neenah, WI; Kathleen (Jon) Picard of St. Mary's Point, MN; Paul Kemper of Outing, MN; and Ann (Tom) Sheldon of Lino Lakes, MN; daughter-in-law Jenifer (John) Creighton of Manistique, MI; 22 grandchildren; 6 (almost 7) great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Clarice Kemper of Pine River, MN; and many nieces and nephews and friends, especially "the wee one" Luann Bablick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step father Joseph Winter; her son Kevin Kemper; and her granddaughter Sophie Picard.

Her family is grateful to Alvera's caregivers at the Gables of Boutwells Landing, who made her part of their family and showered her with their love and attention.

Fr. Bill Vos will officiate the services to be held on Sunday, November 23, at 1:00 pm at Boutwells Landing Chapel, 5600 Norwich Parkway, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082. A luncheon will follow and Inurnment will take place at 1:00 pm on Monday, November 24, at Nola Cemetery in Park Falls, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to "Maryknoll Lay Missioners," PO Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0307. Online donations can be made at MKLM.org.

Arrangements have been made by Bradshaw Funeral & Cremation Services of Stillwater MN.