Fred Kempes

Fred L. Kempes

Age 56 of Wilmington, passed away Wednesday August 21, 2013 at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Born March 6, 1957 in Joliet, Fred is a son of Billie Jean (nee Huston) Kempes of Diamond and the late Robert Allen Kempes. He was raised and educated in Wilmington and worked as a Journeyman Electrician with IBEW #176. It was with IBEW #176 that Fred was also a part-time instructor, served as former chairman of the executive board and was currently acting treasurer. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #241 in Wilmington, coached little league baseball and spearheaded the DAD's Day (Dollar's Against Diabetes) in Wilmington. Fred was an avid golfer; greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, and was a Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and Cubs fan. He was a tremendous supporter of Wilmington High School sports and was a member of the Wilmington Cat Backers. Fred was the proud 'Papa' of four, of whom he truly cherished spending time with, and took every opportunity to watch them participate in their activities.

Survivors include his wife Pam (nee Walters), whom he married November 1, 1980; three children: Paige (Steve) Nutt of Wilmington, Brooke (Pat) Brown of Braidwood and Eric Kempes of Wilmington; four grandchildren: Matthew Nutt, Michael Nutt, Addison Brown and Reese Brown; his mother Billie Kempes of Diamond; father and mother-in-law: Dean and Myrna Walters of Martinsville, Illinois; one brother Ed Kempes of Valparaiso, Indiana, brother and sisters-in-law: Roxanne Foster of Coal City and Alan and Lisa Walters of Lake In The Hills; two nieces: Linnea Walters and Blair Burgner and one nephew Doug Foster.

Fred was preceded in death by his father Robert Allen Kempes and one brother-in-law Dean Walters, Jr.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday August 25, 2013 between the hours of 2:00PM and 7:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Monday August 26th at 10:00AM in the funeral home with Deacon Don Dyer officiating.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Pallbearers will be: Steve Nutt, Pat Brown, Paul Ewing, Dale Magruder, Mark Ferry, Kurt Stehlik, Alan Walters and Danny Parker. Fred's brother Ed Kempes will act as an honorary pallbearer.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Fred's memory to the Wilmington School District Foundation for Excellence, 209u Wildcat Court, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP. (815/476-2181)