HARRY KEMPKA

Harry Ronald Kempka “Chief” (Ron), born October, 28, 1930 passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Sunday, January 5, 2020 with family by his side in Bakersfield, CA. Ron was a resident of Cheyenne, Wy for over 30 years. Ron was born in 1930 in Chicago, IL, lived in Cicero, IL, until joining the United Sates Navy. Ron served in the Navy from 1948-1968, he served on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt for 3 years, he then became a Flight Engineer with 12,000 hours logged. He eventually retired as Chief Petty Officer E8. Ron was stationed in Guam, Moffitt Field, Travis Air Force Base and Monterey Naval Air Station in California. After retirement, Ron was employed at Exxon Refinery in Benicia, CA. as a Metallurgical Inspector for 12 1/2 years. Upon leaving Exxon, he was Chief Inspector at four different refineries in the US. Ron also enjoyed yachting on the Delta with his family. Ron was an avid private pilot, enjoyed working on and refurbishing old planes. A longtime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and several other aircraft related associations.

Ron and Bonnie Jean Gardella had three children together, Dara Lesmeister, Melanie Mancera and husband Lupe, and Nicholas Kempka and wife Christee. Four grandchildren, Christina Terry and husband Lee, Michael Lesmeister, Tyler Kempka and Branden Kempka. Three great-grandchildren, Tristan, Mikendy and Bella. He had a great love for all his Pomeranian dogs over the years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas Frank Kempka and Francis Kempka and three sisters, Jean Milliken, Marion Todrowski and Roberta.

He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him.

Military Services are pending.