Phyllis Margaret Kempen, age 82, of rural Hilbert, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday morning, October 3, 2026, surrounded by her family, after living with pancreatic cancer for nearly a year. She was just three days shy of her 83rd birthday.

Phyllis was born on October 6, 1943, on the family farm in the Town of Woodville, the daughter of the late Clemens and Crescentia (Bauer) Probst. The only daughter in a family of six children, she grew up on the family farm near St. John and graduated from Hilbert High School with the class of 1961.

Phyllis married Kenneth Kempen, and they made their home on the Kempen family farm on Harvestore Road, which remained their home for the rest of their lives. Phyllis devoted much of her life to raising her five children and caring for her family, while also working outside the home at various times over the years.

Phyllis believed strongly in helping others and contributing to her community. She served for many years as an election official in the Town of Woodville and volunteered as a mentor in the Brillion schools, helping elementary-aged children with reading. She was also a dedicated blood donor, giving more than 22 gallons during her lifetime.

She generously shared what came from her kitchen and garden as well. Friends, neighbors, family members, church gatherings and community events benefited from her baking, cooking and canning. She was especially known for her German potato salad, deviled eggs, pies, tortes and other treats, and she readily shared the harvest from her garden.

Being a grandmother brought Phyllis great joy. She was a devoted supporter of her grandchildren and rarely missed a sporting event, piano recital, school concert, play or other activity in which they were involved. At Grandma’s house, there were treats from the kitchen, golf-cart rides, crafts to make and always a warm welcome. She loved having her grandchildren around her and took great pleasure in watching them grow.

Phyllis enjoyed an active social life throughout the years. She played cards regularly with family and friends, bowled with several groups over the years, and was a longtime member of a local Homemakers group. She also enjoyed reading, Sudoku puzzles, playing her accordion, caring for her cats and even cutting the lawn. She was patriotic and loved her country, had a good sense of humor, and enjoyed visiting and sharing a laugh with the people around her.

Phyllis is survived by her children and their spouses: Connie (David) Cady of El Dorado Hills, California; Wes (Michelle) Kempen, Stan (Reneé) Kempen and Lisa (Joseph) Kocourek, all of Brillion; her grandchildren, Ryan (Madison) and Erin Cady; Laura (Justin) Wachtendonk, Abigail (Cody) Ledvina, Isaiah, Alana, Isabell and Alyssa Kempen; Zachary (Sommer), Lexxé, Mitchel and Sawyer Kempen; and Garrett and Evan Kocourek; her great-grandchildren, Ian Voskuil, Aidan, Alek and Everette Mandel, Gabby Ledvina, Grifynn and Oliver Kempen; her brother, Allen Probst; her sister-in-law, Nancy Probst; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clemens and Crescentia Probst; her husband, Kenneth Kempen; her son, David Kempen; her brothers, Vernon, Arlyn, Ralph and Leon Probst; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Leona Kempen; her brothers-in-law, Melvin and Robert Kempen; her sister-in-law, Karen Probst; and other family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in St. John, with Rev. Robert Chinnapan officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis Catholic Church Cemetery in Hollandtown.

The family will greet relatives and friends at Pielhop Funeral Home, 215 S. Main St., Brillion, on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. The evening visitation will conclude with a prayer service led by Diane Wickersheim. Visitation will continue at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Friday morning from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m.

Online condolences may be made at www.pielhop.com. The Kempen family has chosen Pielhop Funeral Home and Cremation Care Centers to honor Phyllis’ legacy of life.