Obituary of Marie Ellen Kempenich

Marie Ellen Kempenich (Nicolai) passed away quietly at home. Born in Milnor, North Dakota on a wheat farm, Marie enjoyed playing outdoors with her many siblings, feeding chickens, riding to and from school in a horse-drawn wagon, playing on her school’s basketball team and taking part in school plays. Marie married Joseph Kempenich of Randall, Minnesota, and they moved to Portland in 1952 where they raised their children. As a couple, Joe and Marie enjoyed picnics, camping, dancing, and church events. Marie loved caring for her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a resourceful homemaker who enthusiastically tackled daily tasks and eagerly taught others – baking, sewing, canning fruits and vegetables, and making plants grow. She relied on her strong faith in God and overcame life’s challenges with unsurpassed tranquility. Marie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joseph, in 1985 and is survived by her children: Theresa (Chris), David (Mary), Gerald (Elaine), Elaine Pattison (Jesse), Margaret Jones (Roscoe), Robert, Maria Fuhrmann (Kai), ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The Rosary will be at 7 p.m. on October 6, 2011 and funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. on October 7, 2011, both at St. Rita Catholic Church. Remembrances may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society.