Joan Marie (Kempe) McIlravy (2014)

MCILRAVY, KEMPE, SOLE, WHEELDON

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler (email)
Date: 8/28/2014 at 14:59:43

O’Leary Celebration of Life Center
Norwalk, Iowa

Joan Marie (Kempe) McIlravy entered this world on January 17, 1967. She joined older sister, Irene, and brother, Carl, as the third child born to Edward and Nellie (Sole) Kempe. The family resided in Earlham, Iowa, where Joan attended school through the 10th grade. She moved to Martensdale to live with her sister, Irene, after the death of her mother in 1983. She completed her last two years of high school at Martensdale-St. Marys Community School graduating in 1985. She was active in speech, drama, and played the flute and tenor saxophone in band. After graduation, Joan attended Iowa State University where she majored in Broadcasting. During this time, she met David McIlravy, who would later become her husband. Joan and David were united in marriage on June 17, 1989, and made their first home together in Norwalk. They would later move to Churchville in 1996. The couple were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Laura (1991), and Michaela (1994). Joan began working at Whitfield Law Firm in 1990, where she worked for 23 years with many loyal friends and co-workers.

Joan enjoyed spending time with her girls working on their many 4-H projects and school activities. She was a devoted member of the M-St. M Music Boosters. Joan was an active member in the Martensdale Community Church. She enjoyed reading, being outside, and traveling with David and her family.

Joan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in June of 2013 and fought a brave battle against the disease that would eventually take her from her loving family and friends. She went peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on August 14, 2014, in the company of beloved family and friends. She walked among us here on earth for 47 years before spending her final days surrounded by loved ones at the Bright Kavanagh House in Des Moines. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Nellie Kempe, and brother, Carl Kempe.

She is survived by her loving husband, David McIlravy; beloved daughters, Laura and Michaela; cherished sister, Irene (Rich) Wheeldon; a brother-in-law, Randy (Sheila) McIlravy; a sister-in-law, Debbie McIlravy; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Services were held Monday, August 18, 2014 at Martensdale Community Church with burial at the Linn Grove Cemetery. Memorials in Joan’s name to the M-St. M Music Boosters will be accepted.

O’Leary Celebration of Life Center-Funeral & Cremation Services cared for Joan’s family.