Harold Ralph Kempker, 87, passed away peacefully February 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born September 3, 1938, the son of Harold and Viola (Venksy) Kempker.
Harold spent his life in motion. After graduating from Muskegon High School, he wasted no time getting started, jumping right into the semi-pro baseball league in Muskegon and playing at Marsh Field. Staying busy came naturally to him, and so did devotion. His wife, Sharon, kept him on his toes, and Harold stood faithfully by her side throughout her battle with cancer, offering a steady, calming presence every step of the way. Together they shared 46 years of marriage before her passing.
Harold was a proud father of six and a man who never shied away from hard work or from speaking his mind. Known for his quick sense of humor and straightforward nature, Harold always said what he thought, often delivering it with a dry remark or a grin. Over the years, he collected more than just jobs - he collected skills, trades and stories. He drove truck, worked at Kroger and Hansen Foods, spent nearly 14 years driving bus for Hart Public Schools, and farmed for an incredible 67 years. From pigs, cows and horses to cherries, pumpkins, asparagus and pickles, Harold did it all. A devoted and tireless worker, he was always up before the sun and done only after it set, providing for his family with quiet determination. He liked to call himself “a man of steel,” and those who knew him would agree.
As the years went on, Harold continued to keep busy by leaning into one of his greatest loves: sports. Whether you were a grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, nephew or simply a kid from the community, you knew Harold. His familiar face was a constant in the bleachers. From cheering on the Muskegon Big Reds, his alma mater, to traveling near and far for his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s games, Harold proudly earned the title of the community’s sports grandfather. He loved good competition and was always quick to remind you, with a grin, “If you’re not first, you’re last.”
Harold is survived by: his children, Rick (Deb) Kempker, Rod Kempker, Rhonda Peters, Mark Kempker, Melissa (Brad) Altland and Kendra Unger; grandchildren, Jamie (Ben) Kaat, Kristy (Warren) Schuitema, Holly (JR) Thomas, Elizabeth Kempker, Taylor Peters, Spencer (Alysha Heck) Peters, McKenna Peters, Dylan (Kalilah Dabandons) Unger, Miranda (Cole Cleaver) Unger, Kasey Unger, Miles Kempker, Kaden (Amber) Kempker, Kolby (Anna) Kempker, Kameron Kempker, Alison Altland, Robert Altland and honorary grandchild, Markus Mallory; great-grandchildren, Alec Kempker, Norah Schuitema, Teagan Schuitema, Nevaeh Thomas, Malikai Thomas, Janiyah Thomas, Dorrell Jr. Thomas, Devyn Kempker, Braelynn Sheafor, Emily Sheafor, Carson Heck, Koa Unger, Elikai Unger, Octavia Cleaver, Easton Cleaver, Kaspyn Cleaver and Rowen Kempker; brother, Ron (Joan Weise) Kempker; and sisters-in-law, Nancy Kempker and Marcia Walsworth.
The family will receive friends and family, Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12:30-2 p.m. at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 N. 72nd Ave., Hart, MI 49420.
