Olive “Ollie” J. Kempken, age 90, of Tomahawk, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at her home, under the care of her family and Compassus Northern Wisconsin Hospice. Ollie was born in Omro, Wis., on Sept. 3, 1931, to the late Fred and Anna (Hanke) Merkey. She was married to Orin Freeman on Nov. 20, 1948; he passed away. Together, they raised their children on the family farm.
Ollie moved to Tomahawk in 1992 and was married to Eugene “Geno” Kempken Sr. on June 22, 1994; he survives. They were part owners in a local trucking company for 15 years, where Ollie helped with the bookwork for the business.
Ollie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who adored her family and especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, the outdoors, fishing, and riding on the motorcycle with Geno.
Survivors include her husband, Eugene Kempken Sr., of Tomahawk; her children, Ricky (Cinthia) Freeman, of Arizona, Randy Freeman, of Omro, Anna (Richard) Kurtz, of Adams Friendship, Wis., Diane (Gary) Halverson, of Omro, and Ronald (Jessica) Freeman, of Tomahawk; her stepchildren, Eugene (Robbie) Kempken, Jr., of Menasha, Wis., Greg Kempken, of Delavan, Wis., Cyndi (DuWayne) Mothy, of West Bend, Wis., and Jason Kempken, of Delavan; and her sister-in-law, Lynda (Joe) Stuber.
Ollie is further survived by 12 grandchildren and 18-great grandchildren, along with four step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Orin; her siblings, Lester (Margie) Merkey, Lona (Orin) Freeman, Fredrick Merkey, Isabelle (Robert) Jacobson, and Elaine (LeRoy) Trapp; her daughter-in-law, Sally Freeman; her mother-in-law, Mariane Kempken; and her dear companion, Missy.
Memorial services for Olive Kempken will be held on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, at 5 p.m. Rev. Larry Mathein will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 3 p.m. until the time of services at 5 p.m.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. View Olive’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.