Arnita Kemp

Well, I did it! After 26 years of surgeries, cancers, chemo, radiation, monthly shots to slow another cancer down and diabetes, I finally moved to God's Place on November 17, 2022. I believe He let me in! I wanted no visitation, so, hopefully, the kids said goodbye to me, had a nice meal and are busy figuring out what to do with all my "treasures.” I, on the other hand, always wanted a smoking hot body, and thanks to cremation I finally got one. Burial will have to wait until Don's ready to join me, whenever that may be. We'll be sharing a plot in Spragueville, Iowa's cemetery.

I started life on March 22, 1938, in Iowa City, Iowa with my parents Arnold Albert and Nita Elaine (Thornton) Bowers. Later along came a brother, Merle.  I did the usual school routine and worked after school. After graduation I married my high-school sweetheart, Gary Kreiter and although the marriage didn't last we did have two kids: daughter, Kandi and son, Kevin. Two pretty great kids, if I do say so myself.

I worked as a secretary for Electrolux, North Scott Schools, Palmer Broadcasting's WOC-TV as well as a few other places before getting a job at Caterpillar. While there I saw a man and told my Mom I had met the man I was going to marry. When she asked where we met, I had to say that technically I hadn't met him, just seen him. Well, a friend who worked with Don told him to ask me out. Took a little convincing, but we finally met and on January 2, 1976, I married Donald William Kemp. Best move I ever made. With that marriage came his son, Wm. John. That also worked out great.

Through the years Don had to do a lot of "nursing" duties and was a good friend and husband. When he needed help, I probably wasn't as good a nurse as he was, but we managed.

My greatest joy in life was my Family, each and every one was my "favorite.” I also enjoyed cooking, sewing, making decorations (and changing them for each holiday inside and outside the house), playing cards and doing 1000 piece puzzles.

Those I leave behind are my husband, Donald; my children, Kandi (Brad) Geerts, Kevin (Patti) Kreiter and Wm. John (Joyce) Kemp; my grandchildren, Brandon and Brady Geerts, Nicole (Greg) Glines, Kirk Kreiter (Eloise Feltman), Jesse Kreiter (Cory Hughes), Daniel (Erica) Kemp and Steven (Kimberly) Kemp; my great-grandchildren, Bentley and Sophie Glines and Shelby and Elliott Kemp.  I also leave my brother Merle (Mary) Bowers, and as he calls them "The Tribe"; plus a lot of relatives I haven't seen in years.  And last, but not least, I leave a lot of good friends and neighbors that we were lucky enough to meet through the years. Especially all the girls card clubs and our couples card club. They helped get me through the rough patches life handed me. And there were plenty.

Well, I guess that's the highlights of my life. It meant a lot to me and I'm sorry you had to read this (if you did) but I'm not a fan of mushy-gushy long obits just long ones, evidently!) I may not have been the best person there is, but I was the best person I could be. Looking forward to seeing you later (if you're good). Lots of love and best wishes. Arnita (God's newest angel).

Memorial donations may be made to the Long Grove Fire Department and Medic EMS.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Arnita’s obituary at.www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.