Mary Arnold (Gainer) Kempker

Mary Arnold Kempker, 88, of Jefferson City, Missouri, formally of Mary’s Home, Missouri passed away Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, Missouri surrounded by family.  She was born July 23, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri the daughter of the late Albert Louis and Lavada (Dinkins) Gainer.  She was united in marriage to Joseph Eugene Arnold from 1954 to 1974 and he passed in 2003, she then married August “Gus” Kempker in 1989 and he preceded her in 2008.

Survivors include,

Children, Joseph Arnold (Carol) of Jefferson City, MO; Jeanne Hoyenski (Michael) of Kileen, TX

Step-Children, Chris Kempker (Bertha) of Mary’s Home, MO; Jim Kempker (Angie) of Jefferson City, MO; Nick Kempker (Karen) of Jefferson City, MO; Ben Kempker (Julie) of Henley, MO; Matt Kempker (Sara) of Mary’s Home, MO; Katie Oligschlaeger (Wes) of Jefferson City, MO; Jon Kempker of Jefferson City, MO

Eight Grandchildren, Elissa; Curtis; Brian; Michael; Jason; Nathaniel; Christoper & Xavier

Nineteen Step-Grandchildren, Ryan; Nathan; Kerri; Travis; Tyler; Jacob; Eric; Joe; Tom; Aaron; Bradley; Brittany; Cody; Olivia; Abby; Bonnie; Lewis; Taylor & Tre

Multiple Great-Grandchildren

Step-Son-in-law, Wendell Tyler of Eugene, MO; Sister-in-law, Jan Gainer of FL

Along with her parents and two husbands, one step-daughter, Paula Tyler, and one brother, Albert Gainer preceded her in death. 

Mary was a former member of Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church of Mary’s Home, MO and was active in the PSR Program, and was a current member of Immaculate Conception Church of Jefferson City, MO.  She was a past member of the National Organization of Women Legislators.  Mary was employed with the state of Missouri where she worked with the Joint Committee of the state Fiscal Affairs for thirty-five years before retiring.

   Visitation will be Wednesday, October 11, 2023 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church of Mary’s Home, MO with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 AM with Rev. Ignazio Medina officiating.  Burial will follow at Our Lady of the Snows Cemetery.

Memorials in her name are suggested to Our Lady of the Snows PSR Program or Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO.

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