died early Tuesday morning (March 8, 2016) at The Heritage at Shalimar Gardens, Fremont.
Eleanor was born October 25, 1922 in the family home in Nickerson, Nebraska to August and Martha (Lallman) Stuenkel. She was the youngest of their 7 children. She grew up in Nickerson, graduating from Nickerson High School as the class Valedictorian. She came to Fremont with a sister, and attended Midland College.
On April 29, 1951, Eleanor was married to H. Dean Kempcke, and Fremont became their home. Dean became associated with Sampter's Clothing, where he spent his working career. Eleanor spent 23 years working in the Dodge County Courthouse in the judicial system as an Associate Judge of Dodge County. Some of her duties included performing marriages and working with adoptions. Eleanor has been recognized by the Nebraska Supreme Court for her service.
Eleanor and Dean moved to Omaha in 1988, and Dean commuted to Fremont until he retired. While living in Omaha they were members of Lutheran Church of the Master. In Omaha, Eleanor and Dean volunteered at the Stephens Homeless Center. They were avid bridge players. Later, they moved to New Mexico where they lived for a brief time, before returning to Omaha, and in 2011, they returned to Fremont. In Fremont, they renewed their membership at First Lutheran Church where they had been long time members.
Survivors 2 daughters Joan Marquis and husband Rick Orona of Fremont
Ellen and husband Dan Harms of New Albany, Ohio
3 grandchildren Jordan Marquis, Joshua Harms and his son Graham Harms, Seth and wife
Gabrielle Harms and their daughter Scarlett and son Noah
sister-in-law Edith Stuenkel of Fremont
sister-in-law - Marilyn Kempcke of Blair
Eleanor was preceded by her husband Dean in December of 2014, by 4 sisters, Vera Nielsen, Alice and Loraine Stuenkel, Esther Benjes, and by 2 brothers Elmer and Harold Stuenkel.
The funeral service will be 10 AM Saturday (March 12th) at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel with Rev. Stephanie Tollefson. The committal will follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be at the mortuary Saturday morning for an hour before the funeral. Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution.
online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Patsy & Dan Schroeder
Albuquerque, NM Sunday, March 13, 2016 We so enjoyed our friendship with Dean & Eleanor while they lived in Rio Rancho and attended Shepherd of the Hills Church. They were both sharp of mind, wit and dress. We often had dinner together at Chamisa Hills Country Club or chatty visits at Fairwinds, where their favorite topics and photos shared were of you--their beloved family. We had the pleasure of meeting Joan & Rick before the final move to NE. We miss Dean & Eleanor; however, in this season of celebrating Christ's resurrection, we rejoice that they are finally reunited with each other and with their Lord & Savior for eternity! Love & Hugs, Patsy & Dan SchroederTerry Loehr
Fremont, NE Thursday, March 10, 2016 Hello Joan, it's been many years since we've seen each other. I'm sorry to hear about your mother's passing. I'm sure that she's watching you from Heaven so make sure that you're still playing the piano.Respectfully
Terry & Melody Loehr
Kathy Spicer
Ames, NE Wednesday, March 9, 2016 It was a pleasure to know Eleanor, and to help care for her (while she was at Shalimar), these past few years. She was an amazing woman. Praying for you all to be surrounded with love, peace & support during this time.