John M. Kempf, 56, from Wausau WI, passed away unexpectedly in Lake Tomahawk on Friday, September 29, 2017. He was born to Marvin and Elsie (Weyer) Kempf on October 9, 1960. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth (Czerwinski), mother Elsie (Dick Doucette) Shnowske, his children Christopher (Kimberly) Kempf, Green Bay, Candance (Craig) Johnson, Cory Kempf (Kasey Deede), both of Wausau, granddaughters Desiree and Alexis Johnson, Claira Kempf, brothers Richard (Cheryl) Kempf, David (Debra) Kempf, sister Susan Kempf-Nemec, mother-in-law Eldine Czerwinski, brother-in-law Mark (Pamela) Czerwinski and his special dogs Curbee and Carlee who miss him dearly. He is further survived by many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Marvin Kempf, father-in-law Anton "Tony" Czerwinski, brother-in-law David "Gus" Czerwsinki and granddaughter Kelsi Kempf. John and Ruth united in marriage on August 26, 1978. John owned Kempf Flooring of Wausau. Together John and Ruth recently operated Rainbow Lake Bar in Lake Tomahawk, WI. Not one to sit still, he enjoyed working and keeping busy. He loved spending time up-north on the Rainbow Flowage and with family and friends telling jokes and having a few beers. He was known to respond to Ruth with "Yes Dear" no matter the request. Many great times were spent fishing, hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, watching the Packers and at the Hodag Country Festival. Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home, 948 Grand Ave, Schofield, WI on Thursday, October 5, 2017 with visitation at 4:00 p.m. until time of services at 7:00 p.m. There will be a celebration of life potluck at Rainbow Lake Bar, 7169 Rainbow Lake Rd, Lake Tomahawk, WI 54539 on Saturday, October 7th at 3:00 p.m.