Watch Eldora's Funeral Mass

Eldora Kemper, age 97, of Mahnomen, MN died on Friday, May 20, 2022, at the Mahnomen Health Center Hospital.

Eldora Ann was born on October 13, 1924, in rural Beaulieu, MN, to Andrew and Margaret (Schoenborn) Haider.  Growing up on the family farm and being the second of five daughters, Eldora helped with many of the farm chores working with her father and grandfather.  She learned how to hitch the horses, work the fields, and tackle any other project that needed to be done. Eldora attended Adams County school but had worldly knowledge far beyond as she never stopped learning.  On April 18, 1944, Eldora was united in marriage to Berthold Kemper, at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Waubun, and the couple lived near Beaulieu.  A few years later, they began their family and were blessed with six children: Jerome, Carol, Steven, Robert, Mark, and Lisa. While raising her family, Eldora continued to work on the farm until they moved into Mahnomen to make their home.  She then began cleaning area office building and helping prepare catered meals for weddings.  For many years she also ran a daycare.  She lovingly cared for several of her grandchildren as well as other families, who all tenderly referred to her as "Grandma Dora." Her strong work ethic was evident as after a day of caregiving, she then cleaned and cooked at her other jobs, very rarely resting.  As Bert's health failed and he struggled with Alzheimer's, Eldora tended to his needs for as long as she was able.  Bert passed away in 1990 and three years later Dora moved into her own apartment.  With the care and support of her family, Eldora proudly continued to live independently in her own home until the time of her death.

Eldora was truly a caregiver.  She adored children and spent hours cuddling, rocking, and taking care of her babies.  She was an amazing cook and loved to bake.  She made the best breads and her special apple sauce pancakes for her loved ones.  Eldora had a large garden and canned her produce each year.  She made wonderful jelly and enjoyed teaching others to do the same.  She and Bert hosted many card parties with family and friends.   In more recent years, she liked to do word searches and spend time with her kids and grandkids.  Eldora's faith was truly the center of her life. She was a devote Catholic and spent hours reading her daily devotionals and praying.   She was known to say what was on her mind but always with love in her heart.  Her fiery spirit and huge smile will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Dora is survived by her four sons; Jerome (Sherry) of Fargo, ND, Steven (Wendy) of Otsego, MN, Robert (Theresa) of Detroit Lakes, MN, and Mark (Mary) of Frazee, MN; two daughters, Carol (Leo) Bettels of Waubun, MN, and Lisa (Bill) Kemper of Mahnomen; two sisters, Donna Prelliwitz of Cle Elum, WA, and Priscilla Gerlin of Anderson, SC; 13 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two sisters: Lorraine and Beatrice.

Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.  Visitation will be held on Monday, May 23, 2022 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, in Mahnomen, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 pm, and a Rosary to follow. Interment will be at St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery, in Mahnomen.