Joseph "Joe" Lee Kempf, 52, of Montgomery City, MO, died on Saturday, June 04, 2016, at the St. Mary's – Audrain in Mexico, MO.

Joseph Lee Kempf was born May 6, 1964 to Norbert Herman "Ben" Kempf and Dorothy June Hull Kempf. He married Susan "Susie" Gotch Kempf on March 23, 1996. Joe has worked many years at the North American Carbide Plant in Jonesburg, MO, and was plant manager. Joe and Susie were also owners of Happy Joe's for many years. He was an outstanding Missouri Jaycee member where he earned his senatorship. Joe enjoyed cooking and bar-b-queing and loved doing things with his grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife, Susie Gotch Kempf of Montgomery City, MO; four children: Bradley Joseph Kempf and wife, Chasta of Montgomery City, MO; Jesse Kempf of Montgomery City, MO; James R. Birkner III of O'Fallon, MO; and Dennis Birkner and wife, Sara, of Montgomery City, MO; and five grandchildren: Zooey Kempf, Parker Kempf, Hope "Happy" Birkner, Hannah Birkner, and Trenton Birkner. Also surviving are his sisters and brother: Karen Hollensteiner and husband, Howard, of Montgomery City, MO; John Kempf and wife, Evelyn, of Montgomery City, MO; and Kim Mitchell and husband, Paul, of Champagne, IL; his nieces and nephews: Ben, Aaron, Samantha and Jake; and numerous friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life was held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, June, 7, 2016, at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO. The family received friends on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until the time of service at the Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City, MO.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Karen Kempf Hollensteiner Benefit in care of Paula Gruber at First Bank or to the Camp Wonderland, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.