John D Kaempfer

John Donald Kaempfer, age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, in Southbury, CT, surrounded by his loved ones. John, lovingly known as “Don” by his family, was the devoted husband for 63 years of the late Barbara Lee (Machia) Kaempfer. John was born on August 7, 1931 in Bridgeport, CT and was the son of William and Rose (Reichert) Kaempfer. John was raised in Monroe, CT, attending Monroe Elementary School and graduating from Bassick High School in Bridgeport. He served as a corporal in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Berlin, Germany.

Anyone who knew John knows that he was an incredibly hard worker, often working multiple jobs to support his family. His first job was tending the family’s chicken farm in Monroe, and at the age of 12, he was given the very important task of caring for the baby chicks. At a young age he worked as a town laborer in Monroe, and then he took a job at Curtis Box Company. He worked there for 27 years before taking a second job at Vitramon Corporation as a maintenance worker. He stayed at Vitramon for 30 years until his retirement in 1998. John and Barbara raised their family in Monroe before buying a home on Lake Plymouth in Plymouth, CT in 1980, where they lived for nearly 40 years. John was an active member of the Lake Plymouth Community Association and an all-around good neighbor, always willing to help another. He enjoyed the simple things in life- home improvement projects, tending a small garden, and fishing in the lake with his grandchildren.

John was a devoted family man, always putting others first, and he leaves behind many loved ones who will miss him deeply.  He is survived by his loving daughters, Susan and Holly, and their husbands, Edward Kaeser and David Taylor, respectively. He leaves behind four grandchildren, who he adored:  Sarah (Wojiski) Grimes and her husband, David; Eric Kaeser; Justin Kaeser and his wife, Hannah; and Ryan Kaeser. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, who brought him much joy: Nora Grimes, Eva Grimes, and Sutton Kaeser. John is also survived by his brother, Robert Kaempfer, and leaves behind many caring and loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, October 4, from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Munson Lovetere Funeral Home 235 Main St. North, Southbury. Burial will take place at Cutlers Farm Cemetery in Monroe on Wednesday, October 5, at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation, in John’s memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, t2t.org.

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com

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