Obituary for Peter James Kemp

Peter James Kemp passed away on October 25th at the University of Iowa Hospitals after a lengthy battle with various health issues.

Pete was born in Waterloo, Iowa on January 9, 1948 to Joe and Sue Kemp. He graduated from Jesup Community Schools in 1966. Following this, he attended Hawkeye Community College where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Technology. He used this knowledge to work as a tool and die maker.  Eventually, his interest turned to sales and he spent many years selling industrial supplies along with training people on these.

In 1970, he married DeLynn Thomas and was the father of three children. They eventually divorced., Pete served on the school board and church council. at St. Jo's in Raymond. He also served on the degree team for the Knights of Columbus.   In 1987, he met Jan Thompsen and they have been together since.

Many will remember Pete's kidney battle and eventual transplant on October 29, 2020. This led to additional health issues which he bravely fought over the last five years.  Throughout all of this he remained a loyal Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan, cheering them on even when difficult times put him in the hospital.

Services will be held on November 19th at 11:00 at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Waterloo with a one hour visitation prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo. The service will be live-streamed on St. Edward's website. 

Pete is survived by his longtime special partner, Jan Thompsen, his three children Donald, Nicholas, and Rachel, all of Waterloo, along with two grandchildren, Marteis and Amara. Also surviving are his sisters MaryJo Hartley of Aurora, Illinois, Patricia Kayser of Independence, Roberta Mason and husband Dick of Independence, Kathy Corcoran and husband Don of Oelwein, Annette Kemp and Larry Moses of Waterloo, and sister-in-law LeeAnn Kemp of Waterloo along with many nieces and nephews and their devoted dog Rizzo. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Mike and Ed, sisters Liz and Carole Levendusky along with brothers-in-law Clair Levendusky, Dean Hartley, Don King, and Tom Kayser and a sister-in-law, Nancy Kemp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.