Roger K. “Jay” Kempson

Posted 1/25/22

Roger K. “Jay” Kempson, 68, of DeKalb, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at Kishwaukee Hospital.

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Roger K. “Jay” Kempson

Posted

DEKALB — Roger K. “Jay” Kempson, 68, of DeKalb, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, at Kishwaukee Hospital. 

Born Aug. 2, 1953, at DeKalb Hospital, the son of Kenneth W. and Jeanette P. (Heath) Kempson, Jay married Kelli Rockstead on June 1, 1990, in Oregon. A 1971 graduate of Sycamore High School, Jay served in the US Marines from 1971 to 1973. He worked at Hormel/Rochelle Foods for nearly a decade. 

Jay loved Harley Davidson motorcycles and baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with his grandkids and his two great-nephews of whom he was very fond. His family knew him as a “movie guy,” loving to watch action flicks with his son, for being “country,” for being “goofy,” loving to clown around and tell jokes and for being able to carry on a conversation with anyone. He always had his eye out for knives to add to his ever-growing collection. 

Jay is survived by his wife, Kelli; son, Landon Kempson of DeKalb; grandchildren, Otto James Kempson and Aliyah Grace Holtzclaw; and his special great-nephews, Wesson Rockstead and Grant Rockstead of Shabbona. 

He was predeceased by his mother, Jeanette (Edward) Kozuch in 1977; his father, Ken, in 1959; and sister, JoAnn (James Sr.) Lowry in 1997. 

The family extends special thanks to Scott Rockstead, and Jill and Chase Rockstead, who stood by him during his cancer diagnosis and treatments. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for a fund to be established.  

Per Jay’s wishes, no services will be held. 

Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services-Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to leave a condolence.