Richard Harry Schempf

Richard Harry (Dick) Schempf of Clarkston, MI was taken from this earthly life by Jesus on October 6, 2021.  He was born on October 10, 1932 in Young America, MN to Victor and Ruth (nee Anderson) Schempf.  Soon afterward, he was baptized into the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He attended St John Lutheran School, graduating from Central High School, Young America/Norwood in 1950.  He furthered his education at Concordia, St Paul, MN; Concordia, River Forest, IL and graduating from Concordia, Seward in 1955 with a bachelor degree of Education.  In 1966 he earned a Masters Degree in Counseling from Wayne State University.

After his second year of college, Richard taught for one year at St John Lutheran School in Columbia, South Dakota.  He was called to teach at Holy Cross, Detroit, MI, and served there as teacher and as Director of Christian Education from 1955 to 1970.

In 1970, Richard accepted the call to be Teacher/Principal at St John Lutheran and moved his family to Adrian, MI.  In 1981, he accepted the call to St John, Taylor, MI as teacher and Director of Evangelism and Outreach.   He was called to St Trinity in 1986 as minister of youth and family life, retiring in 1995.

Richard was an excellent teacher with a strict, yet caring style, using God's Word to help train each child.  He loved telling others about Jesus, serving on the Michigan District Board of Evangelism for many years.  He also served on the Board of Education for the District.  He was known as an excellent Bible Class leader; and taught some very interesting children's messages.

While at Concordia, St Paul, Richard met and fell in love with Meta Ann Grulke.  On June 4th, 1955 he married his best friend.  He was faithful to her and was a loving husband, keeping the vows he made to love, honor and keep her as his bride until death.

In 1956, the happy couple was blessed with a son, Michael.  In 1959, they were blessed with a daughter, Joanne.  Richard was a faithful and caring father, teaching them many things about life and the world around them, as well as the Word of God. 

Richard loved to garden and care for his fruit trees, sharing many fruits and vegetables with others.  He and Meta also liked to travel around the United States, spending many winters in Arizona and Texas and summers in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.  He liked to fish (especially with his grandchildren).  He was quite accomplished at ice skating, roller skating, skiing and playing ping pong. 

Surviving and remembering his legacy are: Richard's wife, Meta; son, Michael (Karen) of St Charles, MO; daughter, Joanne (Jeff) Walsh of Flint; grandchildren, Andrew (Linda) Schempf, Philip Schempf, Rachel (Kurt) Brandon, Sarah (Matt) Renkiewicz, Sarah (Bob) Bernhardt, Christopher (Kimber) Walsh, Christina Schempf, and Hannah Walsh.  Richard and Meta are also blessed with ten great-grandchildren, Kent, Alex, Violet, Theo, Joel, Celia, Elsie, Emerson, Ben, and Katie Jo.  Richard's sister, Carol (Bruce) Casper and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Vic and Ruth and one sister, Marie.

Funeral Services are Monday, October 11, 2021 at 12 noon at St. Trinity Lutheran Church, Clarkston.  Rev. Dean Dumbrille of St Paul, Flint will officiate the Worship Service. Richard will lie in state at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service, where the family will greet guests and hymn sing at 11 AM.  A luncheon will take place after the service at St Trinity for all guests. Instead of flowers, people may donate to the Concordia University System (for Lutheran teacher scholarships), Lutheran Hour Ministries, or St. Trinity Lutheran Church. Private burial Glen Eden Cemetery, Livonia.  

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