Joseph Clement Kemper, Jr.

Entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Joseph Clement Kemper, Jr. Deacon Joe was born in Muenster Saskatchewan, Canada a son of Joseph Clement Kemper, Sr. and Anna Augusta Reverman Kemper on Saturday, May 29, 1909. He was encouraged by his wife of 21 years before she passed away in 1958 to someday follow his dreams of dedicating his life to the church. After his four children were grown & he helped secure their futures, Joe a master carpenter/cabinet maker left all of his family in New Jersey and gave up all his worldly goods to follow Christ's teachings. In 1966 with a recommendation from Msgr. James A. Harding of New Jersey and the advice of his brother Frank (trappist monk, Brother Robert), he came to Charleston and began his 33 years of service to the Diocese of Charleston. He was assigned to many parishes & was responsible for many restorations in the diocese. He eventually joined Msgr.John A. Simonin at St. Patrick's, who he served along side for 27 years. Deacon Joe retired from diaconate in 1999 after 17 years at St. Mary's, but remained active in his ministry, visiiting the poor and writing. He touched the lives of so many people and his generosity was well known. Throughout his life continued to give all he possessed to those he felt needed it more than himself. In his earlier years Deacon Joe attended St. Gregory's College in Shawnee, OK, St. Benedict's College in Kansas and St. Joseph's College in Princeton, NJ. In August of 1971 after two years of concentrated study at St. John's University he was the first of three men to be ordained permanent deacons in the state of South Carolina by Bishop Ernest Unterkoefler. Surviving are two daughters, Eleanor M. Rich and Claire A. Johnson, two sons, Joseph E. Kemper and Thomas Kemper, a brother Vincent Kemper eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, many nieces & nephews and many long time friends including Regina Alberti, Diane McGary and Carol Lawler. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Eleanor Veronica McDermott Kemper, five sisters, four brothers and in 2010 by Msgr. John A. Simonin . The relatives and friends of Deacon Joseph C. Kemper, Jr. are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 PM Monday, June 27, 2011 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 89 Hasell St. The Rite of Committal will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 12 Noon to time of service. The Rosary will be recited Monday at the church at 1:15 PM. Memorials contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church, Restoration Fund 89 Hasell St Charleston, SC 29401 or or a Catholic Charity of your choice. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER Funerals & Cremation 766-1365. Deacon Joe's guest book may be signed at www.jamesamcalister.com.