SPARTA-Jean L. Kempfer, 85, of Sparta, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems, La Crosse. She was born on October 8, 1940, to Jack and Lila Rasmussen. She was one of two daughters; along with Carol (Rasmussen) Jenkins. She grew up in Sparta, and graduated from Sparta High School in 1958.
Jean married Alvin Schaitel, with whom she had 4 children; Steven (deceased), Suzanne, Carol, and Christine. She had 5 grandchildren; Ashley, Sydney, Sierra, Natasha, and Christopher. They later divorced.
Jean was a business owner, having owned The ETC Shoppe and Soap Scentsations, in downtown Sparta. Her love of life was the ocean. She lived in Florida for many years, deep sea diving and snorkeling. She had a passion for sewing and seashells. The seashells were brought from the ocean, then sold and traded. In 1981, she married Dave Kempfer, who was her avid companion in diving and attending trade shows. He preceded her in death, in 2012.
A Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. A gathering at The Zone, Sparta, will follow.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
