Kemp, Robert A. (1929-2022)

KEMP, BUCCIANTINI, MILLS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 3/29/2022 at 18:35:54

The Des Moines Register

Robert A. Kemp

Obituary

Robert A. Kemp

Augusta, ME - Robert A. Kemp passed away peacefully on March 15, 2022 at his home in Augusta, Maine surrounded by his wife of 71 years, Alice Kemp, his daughter Joyce and son-in-law, Carl Bucciantini.

Robert Kemp was born on March 2, 1929 on the family farm near Paulina, Iowa to Bert and Ruth Kemp. Robert and his five siblings grew up on their small farm in Decatur County, Iowa during the Great Depression. Robert graduated from Leon High School in 1947.

Robert was drafted into the United States Army in 1950. Shortly thereafter, he married Alice A. Mills of Leon, Iowa at Camp Polk, Louisiana on December 23, 1950. He was accepted to Officer Candidate School and continued a career as an officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Robert was also a senior parachutist with two Army Airborne divisions. During his military career, Robert and his family had the opportunity to serve in different regions of the United States as well as overseas. Robert earned his two undergraduate degrees and completed his MBA from Arizona State University in 1968. While in the Army Robert received numerous awards including the Legion of Merit. He retired from the Army with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1973.

Robert earned his Ph.D in International Business and Management from Arizona State University in 1979. He began a second career in academia, teaching at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma and then at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He taught graduate and undergraduate courses and developed connections between students and local businesses.

Robert retired from academia in 1997 and founded Kemp Enterprises, a business consulting firm focusing on large and small businesses in the mid west. He was selected to become the National President for the Institute of Supply Management from 1997-1998. Robert and Alice finally had time to pursue other hobbies such as travel and photography.

In 2015, Robert really retired and moved to Augusta, Maine to be closer to family. He was active in the Granite Hill Estate community collecting Veteran's biographies as a part of their Veteran's Day Celebrations. Robert believed in the value of honesty and hard work. He would often say, "hard work is the key to success." He exemplified what it means to be a friend, scholar, officer and gentleman throughout his long life.

Robert is predeceased by his parents, Bert and Ruth Kemp, his brothers, William and Michael Kemp, his sister, Agnes Kemp and his son, Robert Randolph Kemp. He is survived by his wife, Alice Kemp, his daughter and son-in-law, Joyce and Carl Bucciantini, his brother and sister-in-law, Sam and Karen Kemp, his sister Gretchen Ver Steegt, two grandchildren, two step grandchildren, four great- grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and friends.

Services will be planned for a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, Iowa.