Mrs. Helen J. Kempker

September 16, 1923 - November 29, 2020

Mrs. Helen J. Kempker (Firlit) age 97 of Grand Rapids went to be with Lord peacefully on Sunday November 29, 2020. She will be lovingly missed by her husband of 74 years Bert J. Kempker; her children David P. (Louise) Kempker, Mark J. (Darlene) Kempker, Jane M. (Robert) Czerew, Paula (Joseph) Duncan, Elizabeth Kempker, Mary Kay (Robert) VanDriel, Margot Miller, 17 Grandchildren, and 24 Great Grand Children; her sister Mary Ann Dorais; her brother Joseph (Carol) Firlit; sisters in law Joan Casper, Sandra Phelps, Fran (Mike) Shutler, Sharon Harness; her Godchildren Michael Niemiec and Theresa Cannon; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings John Firlit, Sophie Doyle and Stella Niemiec. Helen retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation working closely with J. Edgar Hoover. She was a wonderful artist working mainly in water colors. For years she volunteered for many of the Guilds at St. Mary’s and Butterworth Hospitals. She was the past president of the Shawmut Hills Garden Club. Helen and her husband Bert were long time members of St. James Church. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 11:00 AM at the Basilica of St. Adalbert. (Please meet at the church) Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW (Masks and social distancing are appreciated.) Memorial contributions may be made to St. James Church or West Catholic High School.