Christine “Chris” Kempf, 87

Christine “Chris” Kempf, age 87, of Imlay City, Michigan, died Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Serene Gardens Assisted Living of Imlay City, MI. Christine Caroline Cole was born August 7, 1937 in Flint, MI. She is the daughter of the late Leslie and the late Thelma (Babcock) Cole. Chris grew up in Imlay City. She was a graduate of Imlay City Community Schools; a graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelors of Education; and a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Masters of Education in Speech Pathology. Chris married Charles “Dick” Kempf on August 8, 1959 in Imlay City, Michigan. She and Dick lived in Norfolk, Virginia for a year while Dick completed Army service, then they moved to Port Huron, MI where they raised two children. Upon retirement, they split their time between Stuart, Florida and Chris’s family home in Lum, MI.

Chris spent a lengthy teaching career in the Yale Community School District. She helped many young children develop normal speech and become confident readers. She was also a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt and friend. She and Dick had a rich and happy 60 years of marriage. Through the years, they enjoyed hosting dinners and celebrations that fed and nurtured many.

Chris was a supporter of the Imlay City Historical Society and a lifelong member of the Imlay City First Congregational Church of Christ.

She is survived by: her daughter, Kim (Dr. Justin) Green of Boulder, Colorado; son, Ian (Joi) Kempf of Attica, MI; grandchildren, Deric Green, Trevor Green, and Miranda Kohler; her great-grandchild, Tempy Kohler; and her great nephew Sgt. Logan Kempf.

Chris was preceded in death by: her husband, Charles Kempf on August 14, 2020; and her parents, Les and Thelma Cole.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Imlay City First Congregational United Church of Christ, 275 Bancroft Street, Imlay City, MI 48444.

A private family memorial has been planned in August.

Arrangements were entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI.

Please be sure to sign our online register at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share condolences and memories with the Kempf family.