Pearl Mavis Kemper, age 80, of Rogers, MN, formerly of Waubun, MN, died on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Mahnomen Heath Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen, MN

Pearl Mavis Kemper was born May 15, 1934 the daughter of Edward and Emily (Marshall) Moltzan in Vergas, MN. As a child, she was raised in Vergas and attended school there. AT the age of 16, Pearl moved with her family to Detroit Lakes, MN where she graduated from High School. On June 18, 1952, she was united in marriage to Richard Kemper in Detroit Lakes and the couple made their home there. She was employed at J. C. Penny's for a short time before she began her family. Pearl became a widow after Richard's death on April 16, 1964. She continued to raise her six children in Detroit Lakes. On February 27, 1965, Pearl married James Kemper, Richard's brother, and the new family moved to his farm near Waubun, MN. Over the years, Pearl and Jim were blessed with two more children. She raised her family on the farm and as the children were grown, she was employed at Athmann's Clothing and Neumann Drug, both in Mahnomen. In 1990, Pearl and Jim moved to the Twin Cities to make their home, where she held positions at various companies. For the past 10 years they have lived in Rogers, MN. Just four weeks ago Pearl returned to Mahnomen and entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

While they lived in the Waubun community, Pearl was an active member of St. Ann's Catholic Church and of Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Homemakers club. In her younger years, Pearl enjoyed dancing. And, in her later years, her hobbies were playing bingo and doing cross-stitch. Pearl liked doing the simple things in life such as simply visiting with her friends, and most of all, spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Jim of Rogers; six daughters: Pam (Bob) Broucek of Dayton, MN, Sue (Don) Jokumsen of Mahnomen, MN, Patti (Odin Helgerson) of Fargo, ND, Mary Lindquist (Nancy Garza) of Paige, TX, Jodi (Greg ) Hutchinson of Billings, MT, and Janet (Pat) Showalter of St. Paul, MN; two sons, Steve (Kathy) Kemper of Fargo, ND, and Scott Kemper of Detroit Lakes, MN; 17 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren.

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Richard; one brother, one sister, and a granddaughter.


A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2015, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. A Time of Gathering will be held Thursday, February 26th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Anderson Family Funeral Home, Mahnomen, and will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Inurnment will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery, Detroit Lakes.