Charles R. “Chuck” Kempker, 66, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 11:25 a.m. on Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa regional Hospice House in West Burlington, IA surrounded by his family. He was born on November 15, 1959 in Fort Madison, IA to Robert H. & Barbara J. Hunsaker Kempker. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1978 and married Dawn M. Gray on August 30, 1980 at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Madison. He worked alongside his parents at Kempker’s True Value Hardware and later with his wife, starting there in 1980. He went on to acquire and expand the business with his wife and family. He enjoyed coaching his children’s sporting events and volunteered for the Fort Madison High School Bloodhound Booster Club and the Music Boosters. He enjoyed golf, Iowa Hawkeye Football, St. Louis Cardinals and spending time with his grandchildren, attending many of their activities. After completing several half marathons, he was currently training to run a full marathon. He served in various positions at the Tri-State rodeo starting in the early 1980’s and was its General Chairman in 2000 & 2001 and later in 2023 for the rodeo’s 75th anniversary. He served as the secretary of the rodeo from 2004 until 2022 and was the Tri-State Rodeo board of directors’ president from 2024 to 2026. He served on the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospital Foundation Board, Southeast Iowa Regional Riverboat Commission, the Sheaffer Golf Course Board and was involved in the Fort Madison Chamber of Commerce over the years. For his years of dedication to the Fort Madison Community, he was awarded the 2011 Fort Madison Ambassador of the year.
Chuck is survived by: his wife: Dawn Kempker of Fort Madison, IA; 2-sons: Jason (Kimberly) Kempker of Ankeny, IA & Dustin (Sarah) Kempker of Pella, IA; 1-daughter: Emily (Kent) Kruse of Toddville, IA; 8-grandchildren: Connor, Mason & Cora Kempker, Pearl & George Kempker, Ryder, Huxton & Oakleigh Kruse; 4-sisters: Sharon (Steve) Thomas of Nevada, IA, Debra (James) Conaway of Carolina Beach, NC, Sandy (Dave) Holtkamp of Fort Madison, IA, Peggy Kempker of Las Vegas, NV; several brother & sister in laws, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, father & mother-in-law: Bill & Nancy Gray, 1-brother-in-law, 2-nieces & 1-nephew.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison. The funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Gary Beckman officiating. Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Chuck’s memory. Online condolences to the Kempker family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.