Obituary of Merle Jeanette Kemps
Merle Kemps
(nee Jacobsen)
Merle Jeanette Kemps, passed away peacefully at her home in Plainfield, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 95. She was surrounded by the love of her family. Merle was born on January 13, 1930, in Chicago, IL, to the late Walter and Marie Jacobsen. Her life was a rich tapestry woven with love, creativity, and devotion to her family and her passions.
A graduate of Austin High School in Chicago, Merle embraced life with an open heart and boundless energy. She shared her talents as a florist for over 30 years, a jewelry store owner, and as a waitress, all in which she cultivated lasting friendships and found joy in the simple pleasure of conversation. Her hands were seldom idle, creating beauty through playing the piano, wallpapering, painting, sewing, and crocheting. Her kitchen was forever filled with the scent of lovingly prepared meals and sweet baked treats. The fruits of her vegetable garden were not just sustenance but symbols of generosity, canned and shared with those she cherished.
Merle moved through life with grace and rhythm, finding delight in ballroom dancing, roller skating, and swimming. Whether wandering to new sights through travel, fishing, taping and watching movies, doing jigsaw puzzles, or playing blackjack, she embraced each moment with a joyful spirit. She was a steadfast source of love and light for her beloved family.
Merle is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Roger W. Kemps; her daughters Linda (John) Neis and Heidi (Tom) Gustave; and her granddaughter, Jessica (Matt) Nicola. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
She is preceded by her parents; her three brothers; and four sisters.
Visitation for Merle Jeanette Kemps will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and will resume on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Park, IL
Memorial donations to the Salvation Army in her name would be appreciated.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.
