Paula Kempe

Paula E. Kempe, 101, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, at the Lutheran Home.

She was born May 15, 1906, along with twin sister, Mary, now being deceased, to August H. and Louise B. Kempe.

Miss Kempe graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1930. She was a member of Sorosis Literary Society and Tomahawks pep squad.

She did part-time teaching in the elementary grades and was employed at various department stores. In early years she had an all-girl orchestra along with her twin sister, being the first to furnish music at the Orpheum Theatre and Hirsch radio station.

Miss Kempe also belonged to the Missouri Historical Society, Arts Council of Southeast Missouri and the genealogical society. She was featured in the Southeast Missourian newspaper for her writing, which she took up in later years. Her autobiography, compiled in book form, and authorship of various stories in magazines were among her accomplishments.

Miss Kempe leaves a nephew, Dr. Walter F. Kempe; a niece, Mrs. Cherry Kempe; and a great-niece, Paula Marie Kempe, all of Tulsa, Okla.

In addition to her twin sister, she was preceded in death by another sister and a brother.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. to service time Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Douglas Breite officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.