Debra J. Kempcke, age 69 of Omaha, Neb., passed away Sept. 1, 2023, at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair surrounded by loved ones after a courageous two-year long battle with ovarian cancer.
Debra, AKA Debbie to high school peers, Deb to many and “DD” to her grandkids. She was born March 8, 1954, to Lloyd and Barbara Chamberlin in Omaha, Neb.. She resided in Blair, Neb. for the duration of her childhood with siblings Mike, Lana, Pam and Greg.
During her youth, “Debbie” was involved in many activities. She had various accomplishments including the title of Blair High School homecoming queen, was a Nebraska FBLA state treasurer, BHS Cheer co-captain and a National Honor Society member. She graduated from Blair High School in 1972.
Debra married her high school sweetheart Jeffrey T. Kempcke on Jan. 12, 1974. Together they had three children, Kiley, Brandon and Todd. She had a wonderful relationship with her in-laws Art and Marilyn Kempcke and her sister-in-law Sue (Duane) Hilgenkamp who passed away last fall.
Debra’s first job was with the state of Nebraska as a County Court Stenographer from 1973–79. In 1979, Debra successfully owned and operated Kids’ Klothes, Blair’s premiere children’s clothing store. As her managerial status of the children’s clothing boutique ended in 1991, many other opportunities followed.
Debra served as vice president of Sales and Marketing at SITEL Corporation in Omaha from 1991–97 and West Telecommunications from 1997–98. In 1999, she became the vice president of National Accounts at Voice Cast International and continued with them until 2002.
During her adult life, Debra served on the following boards and received many awards including State of Nebraska’s Outstanding Young Woman, Originator of Blair Women’s Jaycee Organization where she served as Vice President and President. She was an ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network, March of Dimes and the Nebraska Make-A-Wish Foundation. Debra also served as the Blair Chamber of Commerce treasurer and director and was a first grade Sunday School teacher at First Lutheran Church in Blair for many years.
In August of 2016, Debra met her “partner” Steve Bodner whom she lived with until her death. He was a saving grace to Debra and her family by taking her to every appointment and was always supportive and positive. Debra’s final years were some of her best with Steve by her side.
Debra is survived by her daughter Kiley (Nate) Huber and son Brandon (Abbie) Kempcke both of Blair. She adored her five grandkids Kember, Havah, Jackson, Benton and Kendall more than life itself. Additionally, siblings Mike Chamberlin, Lana (Michael) Behrends, Pam Christ (Dave), and many nieces and nephews. Debra also had three half-brothers Mitch (Lynda) Chamberlin, Curt (Janie) Chamberlin and Dave (Lori) Chamberlin. She is preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Chamberlin, mother, Barbara Chamberlin and brother, Greg Chamberlin.
Some of Debra’s favorites included her grandkids, beaches, a warm fire, Christmas trees, the Hallmark Channel, going to movies, boating, the Kansas City Chiefs, Coca-Cola, peach tea, chocolate chip cookies, margaritas and guacamole.
Her life-long motto was, “May you always have love to share, health to spare, and friends that care.” She was truly one of a kind in so many ways. Just as she did in her time on Earth, our “Angel” Debra will continue to watch over her family and friends in the sanctuary above known as Heaven.
A Celebration of Life and dinner will be held on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, at First Lutheran Church in Blair. Viewing will take place at 5 p.m. and the service will begin at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be set up with the Washington County Foundation called the Debra J. Kempcke Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to a Blair High School student who is interested in pursuing a career in healthcare or science in hopes of finding a cure for cancer.
