Russell Anthony Kemp, age 95, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Marshfield, WI, surrounded by his loving children. Russell was born on November 13, 1929, in Rock Island, Illinois to the late Hazel (Bolster) and Francis Kemp. He enlisted in the Army and served from 1948 to 1952 in Germany. In 2015 he took part in a military honor flight to Washington, D.C., another military honor for him. He lived and worked in the Birchwood area his adult life with his wife Bernice Clara (nee Jilek), where they raised their three children. Russell had a milk route for Gustafson Dairy for many years and also was a foreman for many years at Birchwood Lumber and Veneer. Russell enjoyed his hobby farm where he enjoyed making maple syrup and collecting raspberries.

Russell loved his Lord, his family and his community. He served St John the Evangelist Parish in Birchwood in various roles throughout his adult life. He was a devoted participant in weekly adoration and above all, treated others as Jesus asks us to do. He dearly loved visiting with his grandchildren, hunting, gardening, serving at the Birchwood Food Pantry, teasing everyone and sharing his wonderful sense of humor. A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, step father and uncle, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Russell is survived by his children Connie (Rodney) Walhovd and Mike (Cathy) Kemp, his sisters Nita (Grady) White and Catherine Benoy, his brother Richard (Lynn) Kemp, brother-in-law, Larry Jilek, 7 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 5 step-children: Richard (Karen) Lee, Margie Lecheler, Chris Lee, John Lee and Theresa (George) Schlarb. He was preceded in death by his first wife Bernice, son Greg, brothers William and Ray and his sister Georgene George. He was further preceded in death by his second wife Theresa (Lee) and two step-children: Mike Lee and Bill Lee.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM Saturday, May 24, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Birchwood, Father Isaiah Shick officiating. Visitation will be held from 930am-11AM Saturday prior to the funeral service at the church. A graveside service will take place at 2PM Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Spooner, WI, where Full Military Rites will be accorded him by the Birchwood American Legion Post.

Last Update: May 13, 2025 1:00 pm CDT