MELISSA A. KEMPKEN

     Melissa ‘Missy’ Ann Kempken, 22, Burlington, died May 4, 2014, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

She was born Aug. 14, 1991, to Mike and Debbie (Ehrhart) in Burlington. Her early life was spent in Burlington. She graduated from St. Thomas Grade School and Waterford High School. Following high school she attended UW–Platteville and UW–Oshkosh.

She worked as a CNA at Waterford Senior Living. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and volunteered for picnics and other events, at the church. Missy was also a former Waterford FFA president and a member of the Country View 4-H. She enjoyed sports and played both volleyball and softball in high school. She was very active with the Racine County Fair. She loved weaving baskets, showing swine, and volunteering at the fair, in the swine barn. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family and friends. She will truly be missed by all.

Survivors include her parents; grandparents, Ken and Darlene Ehrhart and Dick and Joan Kempken; siblings, Jared and Jake Kempken; aunts and uncles, Linda (Marvin) Hegemann, Jeff (Kathy) Ehrhart, Barb Pierce, John Kempken, Gregory (Crystal) Kempken; cousins, Chad (Kari), Andrea and Zack Hegemann, Justin and Kevin Ehrhart, Leslie and Preston Pierce, Ashley Kempken, Lena and Luke Kempken; her two best friends Katie and Michelle; other relatives and friends.

In Lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to establish a scholarship in Missy’s name.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Haider, his staff and the nurses of the second floor at Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m., at St. Thomas Catholic Church with the Rev. Gene Doda officiating. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Thursday, May 8, from 4-8 p.m., at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory, 625 Browns Lake Drive, Burlington.

Well-wishers can visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.