Harry Warren Kemp Obituary

A visitation for 90-year-old Harry Warren Kemp will be held at the Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM. A private family interment will take place at a later time. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family.

Harry Warren Kemp, the son of Andrew S. and Olive (Taylor) Kemp, was born December 28, 1933, in Albion, NE. Harry died August 16, 2024, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, IA, at 90 years, 7 months, and 19 days.

Harry moved to Carson, IA, at a young age, where he attended school. On March 15, 1955, he was united in marriage to Kathryn “Katy” Mae Mass in Council Bluffs, IA. Harry was drafted into the Army and served until honorably discharged in 1957. After returning to Carson, Harry worked for Marion Carely on the farm. After moving to Texas briefly, Harry and his family returned to Carson, where he began working for Lloyd Mertes at the blacksmith shop. In 1970, Harry bought Griswold Machine Shop in Griswold and changed the name to Kemp Welding. They moved to Griswold in 1971. Harry owned and operated Kemp Welding until 1996, when he officially “retired”. Harry remained active until the time of his death.

Harry was a longtime member of the Iowa Blacksmith and Welders Association, the Heartland J.I. Case Collectors Club, and had been a member of the Carson and Griswold Fire Department. He enjoyed collecting and using tractors, hunting, going to flea markets, swap meets, and auctions. Harry was a true craftsman of both metal and wood.

Harry is preceded in death by his wife Katy; his son Michael; his parents; and his siblings Donald, Dorella, and Bonnie Jean.

He is survived by his son Kim Kemp of Griswold, IA; his sister Karen Alff of Tucson, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold, on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM. A private family interment will take place at a later time. Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family.