David Gordon Kemp

David Gordon Kemp, age 89, of St. Paul Park, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Gathering of family and friends 4-8 PM, Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Kok Funeral Home, 1201 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park, MN 55071. Private interment to follow in the spring; date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Paul Park Firefighters Fund.

David Gordon Kemp born April 9,1936 to Willis Ephram and Phoebe (Davies) Kemp, passed peacefully on January 27, 2026, at home with both daughters by his side, he was 89 years old. David was a lifelong resident of St. Paul Park. He was the youngest of 5 children working on the family farm. He was born in Denmark Township on his grandparent's farm and was raised on the farm in St. Paul Park. He graduated from Park Sr. High in 1955. He then met the love of his life Margaret Mary Dalaska and married her on November 10, 1956. They celebrated 55 years together, during that time they raised a family of 6 children, 2 girls and 4 boys.

David was a retired bricklayer of over 44 years and proud union member of the Bricklayer's and Allied Craftworker's Local 1 where he helped build many buildings across the Twin Cities. Even more than his work he was proud of being a volunteer fire fighter with the St. Paul Park Fire Department, serving as Chief from 1976-1978. He loved being involved in the Heritage Days Festival, cooking booya and supporting the fireman's taco stand.

David was also a classic car enthusiast and enjoyed attending the "Back to the 50's" car show each year with either his sons Joel and David, who usually accompanied him; or grandson David III and great granddaughter Kaylee. He loved showing off his 1953 Chevy Belair!

David loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, even hunting into his 80's. He loved spending time at the family cabin in Kingsdale MN. Snowmobiling, four-wheeling, and hunting were among some of the many activities he enjoyed with his family. His grandsons Jeremy and Jason have fond memories hunting and fishing with grandpa through the years.

Granddaughter Krystal recalls a time when she was 14 and grandpa told her to take the station wagon (which was a stick shift) on a drive up at the cabin; grandma volunteered to ride along. Krystal, never having driven a stick shift before, took off down road T hitting 70 mph grandma yells "you almost gave me a heart attack!" Krystals explanation was she didn't want to stall the car!

David was a very special and unique person with many talents and interests. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by many family and friends.

David is preceded in death by his loving wife Margaret Mary, son Jeffery, grandson Branden, both parents, siblings, William, Margory, George and Lorraine. He is survived by son Timothy (Jeanette), daughter-in-law Callie, daughters Pamala (James), Robin, sons Joel and David (Jovita); 12 grandchildren- Jeremy, (Kari), Jason, Jonathan, Janae (Matthew), Justin, Nicholas, Robbie (Cody), Krystal (Brandon), Bryon (Naomi) Madison, David III, and Michele; 14 great grandchildren- Tyler, Tiffany, Tristan, Allison, Isabella, Noah, Morgan, Kaylee, Jaxson, Kensley, Travis, Gabriel, Josephine, and Brandon; and great-great granddaughter, Avery.