Myrna Jane Kempf

Myrna Jane Kempf age 67 of Sebeka, MN died Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at her home. Myrna was born to Edwin and Eileen (Miller) Steinkraus on April 30, 1943 in Wadena, MN. Myrna graduated from Sebeka School in 1961. She was proud of being third generation attending Sebeka School. Her youngest grandchild is currently representing the 5th generation of her family attending Sebeka Schools. After graduation, Myrna attended cosmetology school in the Twin Cities completing the 12 month program in 9 months. Myrna started her career at Bunny's Beauty Shop in Wadena. From there she worked at Agnes' Beauty Shop in Sebeka MN. After marrying Greg Kempf in 1962, she worked in a salon in Virginia Beach, VA, while he served in the Navy. Later when Greg was attending the University of North Dakota, she managed a salon in East Grand Forks, MN. Myrna remodeled her childhood home creating Myrna's Beauty Shop in 1972. This allowed her to be at home with her family while running her own business. It was not uncommon for Myrna to work from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm. Despite the long hours she loved serving her customers’ and did so for 30 years, developing many lifelong friends along the way. Myrna was a life long learner who expressed her creativity. When something caught her interest, she was driven to study, and practice the art so she could create beautiful things for her friends and loved ones. Despite her days being so full with activity, Myrna's creative passion was contagious to those around her often resulting in group projects and shared classes. But beware if you asked for Myrna's honest opinion - she would provide it to you, as she was direct and honest. She found time to express herself with: calligraphy, macramé, knitting, needlepoint, singing, painting, glass etching, carving, and woodworking. She also studied belly dancing, ballroom dancing, welding, embroidery, scrapbooking, gardening, and ceramics. Even with all these activities she always put family first. She always made time for her family. Just as she became so skillful in all her hobbies she was always most proud of her children and their accomplishments. In a time when so many place blame on their mothers for their lack of success; Myrna's family credit her for the accomplishments in their lives. Myrna will lovingly be remembered by her husband Greg Kempf of Sebeka; daughter Shannon Kempf and her husband Bill Cross, of Sebeka; sons, Vince Kempf and his wife Janet of Barnesville, MN; James Kempf of Owatonna, MN; one sister Margaret Kreklau and her husband Curt of Alexandria, MN; three grandchildren Ryan Kempf, Micaela Kempf, and Rachal Cross. She was preceded in death by her parents, and son Michael Alan Kempf. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Thursday, December 16, 2010 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to service at the church. Prayer Services will be at 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Friday, December 17, 2010 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Wadena, MN with Father Don Wagner as Celebrant. Ted Masog will serve as organist. Congregational hymns include “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “On Eagles Wings,” “Here I Am Lord,” and “Prayer of St. Francis.” Active Casketbearers will be Marcus Harris, Jim Steinkraus, Brad Lehmkuhl, Dan Kern, Mark Schmitt, and Darrell Haman. Interment Services will be held at the Sebeka West Cemetery.