Obituary: Thelma Clara Kemeter

Thelma Clara Kemeter, 1929-2020

Her Legacy … Thelma Clara Kemeter, of Manchester, age 90, passed away March 24, 2020. She was born on October 26, 1929, in Willis, Michigan to Gale and Blanche (Laur) Howell. Thelma married the love of her life, Joseph Kemeter, on February 26, 1949, in Willis, Michigan.

She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She worked for many years as a secretary for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, retiring after 25 years of service in 1995. When not working, Thelma and her husband raised English Setters and exotic birds and ran a Shooting Preserve. She loved anything to do with outdoors; sitting in the sun and taking walks were among her favorites. Thelma also loved to take numerous trips with chosen family members to the casino, playing euchre and rummy, and volunteered in Manchester for several years at ”Worth Repeating.”

Her Family … Thelma will be missed by her children, Sheryl (Dick) Taylor, Gene (Sharon) Kemeter and James (Teresa) Kemeter; two sisters-in-law Lois Howell and Gerda Lipcaman; eleven grandchildren–Rob, Sean, Nikki, Toni, Brian, Zack, Brandon, Mariah, Zach, Desiree and Selena; ten great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joseph Kemeter, brothers Guy Lipcaman, Donald Howell and sister and brother-in-law Marjorie (Douglas) Smith.

Her Farewell … Thelma’s family and friends are gathering Monday, July 6, 2020 from 10 – 11 am at Eineder’s Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Manchester Chapel. Her Farewell Service will be held at 11:00 am following the visitation. Rev. David Bucholtz of Bethel United Church of Christ, Manchester will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to be given to the family for future designation.

Please leave a message of comfort for Thelma’s family or sign her guestbook at www.einederfuneralhomes.com.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.