Richard "Dick" B. Kemp

Richard “Dick” Bruce Kemp, 94, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully at the Chippewa Manor on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

On October 6, 1931, Richard was born to Harry and Grace (Buckley) Kemp. He grew up in Bateman and graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School in 1949. On June 24, 1950, he married June Bailey at North Presbyterian Church in Eau Claire. He was employee number 5 at Chippewa Plastics and continued in the plastics industries throughout his lifetime, including working on projects at Winzen Research, known for producing high-altitude scientific balloons. He retired in 1996 from Davis-Standard Corporation of Pawcatuck, CT in outside sales. He received many awards for outstanding sales in his five-state Midwest territory.

Richard was very active in the community and was a member of First Presbyterian Church Chippewa Falls, serving as a Deacon and volunteering in the food pantry for many years. Richard was also a member of the Chippewa Falls Masonic Lodge 176 for 45 years and was honored as Mason of the Year in 2008. He acted as Treasurer for many years and was a key part of ensuring the long-term stability of the Hopkins Memorial Fund for local scholarship programs.

Richard was a Life Member of the Chippewa Falls Elks Lodge No. 1326. He was a Wisconsin Master Gardener completing projects like outfitting and delivering garden wagons for elementary schools to use in their garden plots. Richard also designed and created lovely garden spaces including the shade garden at his home of over 50 years. He enjoyed woodworking and was active in the West Wisconsin Wood Carvers Guild since retirement, creating many carvings for family and friends.

Richard was a loving father and devoted husband. The Rutledge Home staff welcomed his smiling face when he arrived every day to spend time with his wife for the last four years of her life. Richard is survived by his children, Sharon Clepper, Poulsbo, WA, Patricia (Christine) Kemp, Helena, MT, Robert (Jane) Kemp, Townsend, WI, Elizabeth (Mike) Misura, Woodbury, MN, and Judy (Jim) Voytilla, Federal Way, WA; grandchildren, Erick Johnson, Adam (Jen) Johnson, Leanna (Joe) Kristoff, Carrisa (Erik) Kemp, Bailey (Seth) Misura, and Alex Misura; and great-grandchildren, Colette Kristoff and Kip Kristoff; along with many other loving family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, June; and two brothers.

The memorial service will be at 11a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church, Chippewa Falls, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Rev. Ed Williams will be officiating. The inurnment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to First Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 130 W. Central Street, Chippewa Falls, WI, 54729.