top of page

Rudy Kempin

Image by Nick Andréka

RUDOLF “RUDY” KEMPIN

July 30, 1943 – June 22, 2024

In loving memory of Rudolf “Rudy” Kempin.


Rudy Kempin, born on July 30, 1943, in Meeting Lake, Saskatchewan, passed away at home peacefully with his family by his side on June 22, 2024 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Rudy's life was a testament to resilience, love, and dedication to his family and community.


Predeceased by his parents, Adolf and Wanda Kempin; his sister Irene Wrubleski; brothers, Arnold, Edmund, Karl, Oskar; and his son Douglas. 


Rudy's legacy continues through his loving wife Susan; his son Brendan; daughters, Tasha Biefeni (Mauro) and Sarah Cook (Brad); his cherished grandchildren, Addison and Devon Biefeni; as well as his brothers, Albert “Chuck” (Chris), Erwin (Sandy), Willie (Marla), Bruno (Em), Siegfried “Fritz” (Bonnie), Eric (Susan), Herbie (Peggy); and numerous extended family members.


Born into a farming family, Rudy's passion for gardening was evident to all who knew him. His pride and joy were his sizeable tomatoes, which he loved to showcase to anyone who visited, giving them the full tour of his garden. His love for the outdoors also extended to camping and fishing where he could enjoy some peace and quiet in nature. He loved to dance and you could see Rudy doing the Polka at any family celebration. Rudy was also a culinary enthusiast, known for his cooking as well as canning his vegetables, especially his "spicy" salsa.


A hardworking drywall taper for over 60 years, Rudy's work ethic was unparalleled. He generously volunteered his time at various organizations, including Hands of Hope, Winnipeg Food Bank, Kirkfield Westwood Community Center, and served as a Boy Scout leader. His commitment to service and mentorship allowed many of his employees to gain valuable skills and work experience that led many to excel in their careers.


Family was the cornerstone of Rudy's life. He relished getting together for meals, watching hockey (Winnipeg Jets) or football (Saskatchewan Rough Riders – Go Green!) games, and attending his grandchildren's school productions. Rudy's face would light up with joy whenever his grandchildren visited, always ready to spoil them with some junk food or candy.


Rudy Kempin will be remembered as a mentor, a family man, and a pillar of his community. He had a deep faith in God and served as a deacon in the church for many years. His warmth, generosity, and the lessons he imparted will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.


The family would like to thank the health care team at CancerCare Manitoba, the various home care workers and palliative care nurse who took great care of Rudy.


Many thanks to family and friends for their support through this journey.


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of their choice in Rudy's honor.


A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 10,2024 with the service beginning at 1:00 PM at Grace Christian Church, 50 Barnes St. Winnipeg, MB.


Rudy’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"

Thank you for your comment!

13 Comments

Leave a Comment

↑ Both fields are required ↓

Upload Photo(s)

David Ives

August 10, 2024 at 9:46 AM

I would often run into Rudy at places like Canadian Tire, Superstore, but most often the Chiropractor where we could both enjoy a nice chat and catch up on things; always friendly and cheerful, always felt lifted up for seeing him. Rudy will be missed and I look forward to seeing him again in his glorified body. Till we meet again, rest in peace my friend.

Trudy Johnson

July 23, 2024 at 3:26 PM

Well the Kempin family have alwats occupied a special place in my heart and that heart goes out to this amazing family with a work ethic that defies description, kindness that is over the top, and the wackiest sense of humour in the world. Condolences to all of you, the ones I know and the ones who are Kempin connected that I dont. BLESSINGS!!! Rest easy, Rudy.

Roberta Sarty

July 23, 2024 at 10:27 AM

What a touching tribute to a kind-hearted man. Many a good time was spent with the Kempin family. I'm so grateful that I was welcomed with open arms and had a chance to know Rudy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The Hoehn Family

July 20, 2024 at 9:39 PM

Susan & family

 

Your husband & dad was our Dad's cousin which makes us 2nd cousins. Our Dad's name also Rudolf. We would like to send our deepest condolences to you all & the entire Kempin family. Prayers and thoughts are with you all. Cherish the memories. & know that he is with God & the rest of the family.

Herb and Peggy

July 20, 2024 at 12:10 PM

for the couple who loved to dance.....we hope there is a great dance floor for Rudy and his sister!

with love, Herb and Peggy

Mary-Ann Blatz (Friesen)

July 20, 2024 at 9:29 AM

My sincere condolences to you Susan & your family. I will always remember him smiling & friendly. He left this earth exactly 1 month from when my mom left. The heavenly reunion with so many that have gone before us must have been amazing!! ❤️ Hugs.

Simone Couture

July 19, 2024 at 9:39 PM

My condolences to Tasha and her family. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.

 

Ike and Monica Hofer

July 19, 2024 at 6:59 PM

I've known Rudy most of my life. Such a wonderful example of working hard. His smile stands out the most. I can't remember seeing him not smiling. He served me my 1st drink(alcoholic) after I turned 18. RIP. Until we meet again.

Sarah Cook

July 19, 2024 at 5:59 PM

I met Rudy only 5 yrs ago. The daughter he didn't know he had. He welcomed me to your family with a huge hug and an open heart ❤️. I will be forever grateful for the short time we had and the special memories we made. such a kind soft spoken gentle soul. Rudy you will never be forgotten, always in my heart

Tom Robson

July 19, 2024 at 5:19 PM

To the entire Kempin family I am so sorry for your loss.

Rudy gave me my first opportunity in drywall trade.
Just a 18 years old.

Young men, sure can struggle, when a path is not clear for them. Yet, the struggle is part of what makes them who they are, who they will become.
Rudy, as did my dad, saw a lot of potential through my struggles back then...

On a Sunday evening, February 12, 1984. Rudy said “Yes”… And from that day forward, I knew I had a mentor.

He was a such good man.

Humble. Kind.
He taught me life lessons that were so important.
Frankly the fact that he gave me a chance was God’s providence.

I feel a bit emotional about all this.
It is a sad part of a man’s life to see a mentor, a friend, a genuinely good man pass.

People are put in our lives for a reason. If we have room for them and an open mind and open heart to learn from them we receive the gift that was intended.

Rudy gave me that gift and it was beautiful.

Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Winnie the Pooh said: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

Sheila Dobson

July 19, 2024 at 5:11 PM

I still remember how welcoming Uncle Rudy was when I first became part of your wonderful family. He always had a big smile and a joke. I will miss him at family gatherings.

Donna / Grant Riedel

July 19, 2024 at 4:53 PM

That beautiful smile and sparkling eyes as we shared some joke or story over the years. Big teddy bear of a man and like an extra Uncle to many with care and generosity and teasing about football teams and so much more - thanks Rudy for being such a wonderful part of all of our lives. 💖

David Hofer

July 19, 2024 at 3:44 PM

Likeable friendly guy, gone too soon. Many fond memories of times spent with him. Fellow boy scouts leader, camping, hunting and many more. Condolences to the family at this trying time. Rest in Peace till we meet again.

bottom of page