Darrell Kempfert

Darrell O. Kempfert

Darrell Kempfert was promoted into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Yeshua haMoshiach / Jesus Christ on February 8, 2026, at home with his wife Karla by his side following a valiant battle with leukemia and cardiac disease.

Darrell Ortwin Kempfert was born on July 10, 1945, to Merrill and Caroline (Seemann) Kempfert in a quaint cottage on Shady Oak Lake in Hopkins, MN. He attended Katherine Curren Elementary and graduated from Hopkins High School in 1963. A natural athlete, Darrell was the first freshman to make the Varsity Tennis Team, winning many singles and doubles tournaments playing with his older brother Merrill.

He attended Mankato State in Mankato, MN, for two years and coached the Concordia College tennis team in St. Paul, MN, before being drafted into the US Army in 1965. He served in Germany for four years before being honorably discharged.

Following his military service, Darrell worked for Hamilton Sales in Minneapolis, MN, before striking out on his own and founding Kempfert Sales and Marketing. He was a successful and gifted salesman working in the housewares, hardware and marine industries until his retirement in 1996. A smiley, charismatic, and sociable guy, Darrell had a knack for becoming a friend to all.

In 1966 Darrell married Alene Haug and settled in Chanhassen, MN. While there, over the years Darrell’s pride and joy focused on raising his sons Todd and Scott and daughter Amy.

In 1997, Darrell was united in marriage to Karla Johnson. As directed by the Lord, they spent 17 years in Durango, CO, before moving to Peoria, AZ, for eight years. While there he enjoyed golfing, smoking cigars and “solving all the world’s problems" with his father-in-law Erv. Darrell and Karla also spent many summers caring for his mother Carrie in Hopkins, MN. Always ready to obey the Lord’s direction, Darrell and Karla moved to Nisswa, MN, in 2022. Darrell excelled at golfing and loved biking on the Paul Bunyan Trail.

Darrell’s true love, peace and joy came from his unwavering faith in Yeshua haMoshiach / Jesus Christ. He mentored many in the Hebrew Christian faith and was always ready to share his many inspiring personal testimonies of the loving God he served, even while facing his many health challenges.

Darrell is survived by his wife Karla of Nisswa, MN; brother Merrill (Sharon) Kempfert of Green Valley, AZ; sister Laurie Sundeen of Winsted, MN; son Scott Kempfert of Sturgeon Lake, MN; daughter Amy (Ray) Hansen of Minnetonka, MN; mother-in-law Arlene Johnson of Nisswa, MN; sister-in-law Jodi (Michael) Milbradt of Corcoran, MN; brother-in-law Jay Johnson of New York, NY; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many cousins, nephews, nieces and friends around the world.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Todd Kempfert, ex-wife Alene Haug, father-in-law Erwin Johnson, and brother-in-law Geoff Sundeen.

Arrangements by Brenny Funeral Chapel, Pequot Lakes, MN. Per Darrell’s request, no formal service will be held. However, a virtual memorial page has been created to honor him. Please celebrate Darrell and his impact on your life by adding your thoughts and photos on his condolences page at brenny.com.

Regarding Memorials

James 1:27  “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. ”Helping orphans was dear to Darrell’s heart, particularly as his own father, who was orphaned, had to overcome hardships at a very young age. If you wish to offer a memorial in Darrell’s name, we know he would have appreciated considering a donation to the following organization which offers life-changing care to orphans in a safe Hebrew Christian home environment:

Corner Fringe Ministries

CF India Orphanage

789 Northdale Blvd NW

Coon Rapids, MN 55448

cornerfringe.com/donate - choose any CFM India fund on the dropdown

Or, a memorial to any charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Special Thanks

The family would like to extend sincerest thanks to the following for their extraordinary care and love to Darrell: Dr. Pat and Dr. Fenstad along with all the oncology and cardiology staff at St. Joseph Medical Center, Brainerd, MN; and the staff at Moments Hospice, Brainerd, MN.