Elizabeth Hempel

Elizabeth J. "Susie" Hempel lost her battle with Alzheimer's on June 3, 2011 in St. Paul, MN. Susie was 88.

Born in Hampton, IA to Wayland Little and Amy Heuerman on November 20, 1922. Susie studied for one semester at Drake University in Des Moines before marrying John Kaufman of Adel, IA on December 20, 1945. John and Susie lived in Ames, IA in their early years together while John studied at Iowa State University.

Susie and John raised four children in several different towns across IA, NE & MN, but their last home together was in Saint Anthony Village, MN where they moved in 1966. After three children had gone on to college, it was Susie's turn. She completed a business course and went to work at Gray, Plant, Mooty Law Firm in downtown Minneapolis as a paralegal specializing in probate taxes. She was employed at the Law Firm for nearly 25 years, retiring at age 75.

In 1980, John Kaufman died unexpectedly of a heart attack. Eight years later Susie was remarried to Paul Hempel Sr. - a widower from Minneapolis.

Susie enjoyed reading, playing bridge, golf and board games. She was a whiz at Scrabble and Crossword puzzles. An animal lover, she had several beloved pets including dogs, cats and parakeets. A skilled seamstress, she expertly constructed countless outfits for not only herself but her children as well.

Susie is survived by her four children Cindy Deutsch (Steve) of Napa, CA, Craig Kaufman (Kathy) of Ham Lake, MN, Susan Moreau (Mark) of Saint Paul, MN and Chris Kaufman (Mary Ann) of Glen Ellyn, IL, and six grandchildren: Emma & Hadley Moreau and Justin, John, Madison and Anne Kaufman. She was preceded in death by her husbands, John and Paul, her parents, and her sister Margaret Green of Chapin, IA.

Memorial Service Friday, June 24 ^th , 2:30 PM at GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH, 700 South Snelling Avenue, St. Paul. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at The Wellington, The Alton Memory Care Center and St. Mary's Hospice who cared for Susie in her final years. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the "Alzheimer's Research Center" at 640 Jackson Street St. Paul, MN 55101-2595 (http://www.alzheimersinfo.org/DonationCollection) and St. Mary's Hospice at 2076 S. Anthony Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 ( www.franciscancare.org ).