Wallace “Wally” Kempfert, 87, passed away at Oak Park Place in Madison, Wis., on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings, S.D. Visitation is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. Burial at First Lutheran Cemetery in Brookings will immediately follow the Friday service.
 Wallace E. Kempfert was born to Belvin and Florence (Kramer) Kempfert on October 2, 1937, in Deadwood, S.D. He was raised on the family’s farm near Silver Lake. He received his elementary education in country school, and then attended Lester Prairie High School in Lester Prairie, graduating in 1955.
 Wally was employed in the construction industry for a short time before serving his country in the United States Navy from 1955 until 1959. He then briefly owned a cafe near Hutchinson, where he also began his 35-year career with 3M Company.
 Wally met his wife, Carol Rettmann, while working at 3M. They united in marriage on July 11, 1961, in Winthrop. Together they had three children – Tammy, Barry and Tricia. In 1971, the family moved to Brookings, where Wally continued his employment with 3M until his retirement. Before Carol’s death on May 17, 1991, the couple enjoyed traveling to many places, including Hawaii, Fiji, Morocco, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
 Over the years, Wally held service positions through his church at Ascension Lutheran, Golden K Service Club, 3M Retired Group and other organizations. After moving to Madison in 2023, Wally remained a member of Ascension, where he had worshipped for many years. He took great solace in watching Sunday sermons online, and delighted in catching a glimpse of friends in the church pews.
 A lifelong fisherman, Wally took pride in his meticulously kept boat. Generous with friends and family alike, he hosted many memorable fishing trips to area lakes and to the Missouri River. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting and travel, and he was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching all his favorite teams – the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins, and the South Dakota State Jackrabbit football and basketball teams.
 In spite of his declining health, Wally maintained a positive attitude until the day he died. When asked how he was doing, he regularly responded, “pretty good for an old guy,” a phrase for which he became well known.
 He is survived by his three children: Tammy (Ron Jetty) Kempfert of Madison, Barry (Charlotte) Kempfert of Hudson, Wis., and Tricia Kempfert of Valencia, Calif.; four grandsons: Charles Jetty, Jacob Kempfert (Emma), Benjamin Kempfert (Jennifer) and Kyle Chapman; three great-grandchildren: Kroy, Knox and Millie Kempfert; two sisters: Susan Mackedanz and Cyndi Smith, both of Hutchinson; and many nieces and nephews.
 He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents, his brother Warren Kempfert and his sister Mary Ortloff.
 The family would like to thank Wally’s many loved ones for their loyal support throughout his life. Special thanks go to the staff at Oak Park Place, who provided a safe and caring environment for Wally in his final years.
 Those wishing to send memorials might consider contributions to Feeding Brookings or Teen Challenge, two causes that Wally was passionate about. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com.