John “Jack” Kempker Jr., age 91, passed away on June 16, 2026. Born and raised in Holland, Michigan, Jack was the son of John and Fayne Kempker. He graduated from Holland High School, where he excelled as a three-sport athlete, and went on to attend Hope College, earning a degree in History-Sociology while competing in football, basketball, and baseball. He later earned a master’s degree from Michigan State University.
In 1960, Jack came to Lowell, where he and his wife, Ann, built their life and family. As a teacher and coach, he influenced generations of students and athletes through his dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping young people succeed. Over the course of his career, Jack coached football, basketball, and baseball at various levels before becoming Lowell’s head basketball coach in 1963. His 1963-64 team finished 18-2 and shared a conference championship, while the 1964-65 team completed an undefeated regular season and finished 20-1 after an upset loss in the regional finals. He also served two separate terms as varsity baseball coach and remains the only coach in Lowell High School history to win 20 games in a season in two different sports. In recognition of his contributions to Lowell athletics, he was inducted into the Lowell Athletic Honor Wall in 2007.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, following sports, and spending time on Beaver Island, where many cherished family memories were made. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured time spent with family.
Jack will be remembered for the positive influence he had on so many lives and for the example he set through a lifetime of service, mentorship, and dedication to others.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Kempker; his parents, John and Fayne Kempker; and his brother, David Kempker.
Jack is survived by his children, Deborah Collins, Kathy (John “Bucky”) Curtis, Thomas Kempker, and Ronald Kempker; his grandchildren, Devon McQueen (Adam Benedict), Michael (Jessica) Curtis, Andrew Curtis (Arika Williams), Christopher (Jana) Curtis, Jackson Kempker, and Kendall (Jake) Murphy; great-grandchildren Sonny Murphy, Isaiah, Gabby, and Christian McQueen, Kyli, Taylor, Hudson, Ella, Macy, Kellen, Henley, Maddox, and Pippa Curtis; his sister-in-law, Mary Kempker; his nephews, Dave (Karen) Kempker Jr., and Dan (Karen) Kempker; and many extended family members and friends.
Celebration of Life will be held 5-8pm, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 North Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331. Memorial contributions may be made to Lowell Athletic Boosters, 11700 Vergennes St., Lowell, MI 49331.
2 Responses
Uncle Jack! Fishing, Coaching, and estate sale shopping in the great beyond! I still have some of the music he got at a sale waaaay back when!
He raised two excellent boys in Tom & Ron, well done John.