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Gerhard Frederick Kempff, born on Feb. 24, 1926, flew on the wings of an angel to meet his Lord and Savior on January 28, 2008. Born in Priest River, Idaho, Gerhard grew up in Idaho, Oregon and Spokane, Wash.

His studies included Portland, Milwaukee, and Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Graduating from Concordia Seminary in June 1951, he was ordained as a Lutheran Pastor and Missionary. He served his Lord as a Missionary in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras for 20 years.

Returning to the United States in 1971, Gerhard served as Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Libby. Returning to his Missionary roots in 1977, Gerhard served the Hispanic communities in San Antonio, Texas and the Yakima Valley, Wash. After retiring from active ministry, Gerhard served part-time as the senior adult visitation Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley, Wash.

Gerhard married Betty Jean Sandler of Perryville, Mo., on July 28, 1951, who served lovingly and faithfully by his side for 56 glorious years. Gerhard and Betty were blessed with 10 sons and daughters, all of whom were born in Central America.

Preceded in death by three grandchildren, Gerhard is survived by his wife Betty; his children, Mark and his wife Ruth, Paul and his wife Kristin, Daniel and his wife LaDora, Margarita and her husband Guillermo, Melanie, Jonathan and his wife Janet, Joel and his wife Tina, Miriam and her husband Edwin, Philip, and Jeanne and her husband Brian; 22 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Gerhard was highly respected and loved by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 3606 S. Schaefer Rd. in Spokane Valley, Wash. at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 2.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Center for Hispanic Studies, Concordia Seminary: 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO, 63105.

Arrangements are under the direction of Hazen and Jaeger Valley Funeral Home, 1306 N Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206.