Rita Clara Kempf

Rita Clara Kempf, 97, of Dupo, died May 24, 2015, in Waterloo.

She was born Oct. 21, 1917, in Hecker, daughter of the late Phillip and Clara Braun (nee Pour).

Mrs. Kempf was formerly employed as a book keeper for Braun Automotive in East St. Louis.

She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church of Dupo, the Women’s Club of the church, and V.F.W. Post 7980 Ladies Auxiliary, Millstadt.

She had completed a Senior Secretarial Course at Summers College and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Surviving are her daughters, Mary (John) Hoener of Heber City, Utah, and Nancy (Charles) Paschke of Dupo; four grandchildren, Angela Hoener of Brooklyn, N.Y., Erich Hoener of Lutherville, Md., and Sara and Emily Paschke, both of Dupo. She was also a dear aunt, cousin and friend.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond F. Kempfe; an infant son at birth; her parents; four brothers, Victor, Walter, Robert, and Louis Braun; and five sisters, Vera Krummrich, Rosella Huelsman, Ruth Dahm,  Esther Braun and Dorothy Braun.

Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Dupo.

A funeral liturgy Mass will follow at 1 p.m.

Interment will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville.

Services are entrusted to Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia.

Memorials in the form of Masses are preferred.

Online condolences may be expressed at braunfh.com.