Jean A. Kemp, age 87 of Burnsville passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on June 28, 2025.  Preceded in death by her husband, Franklin; siblings: JoAnn Jagt and Sharon Caskey.  Survived by her children: Timothy (Georgia) Kemp and Marilee (Mike) Grant; grandchildren: Jessie (John) Schmeling, Shawn (Clair) Kemp, Aaron Grant, John Grant, Noah Grant, and David Grant; great grandchildren: Annabelle, Sam, Joe, and Ryan; sister, Beverly Alinder; also by other loving family and friends.  Funeral service, 11am Thursday, July 3, 2025 at Berean Baptist Church (309 CR 42) Burnsville, MN.  Visitation from 10-11 am prior to the service at church.  Memorials may be made to Jean's favorite organization, Operation Christmas Child, where she volunteered for many years.

Jean was born on June 19, 1938 near Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. She was the third of four daughters born to Sig and Arylene Alinder, and was raised on a farm outside New London, Minnesota.  She graduated Salutatorian from New London High School in 1956 and went on to work for Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, MN.

She met the love of her life, Frank, at a church youth group party in Willmar. He knew right away she was the one, and proposed within 6 weeks of meeting her.  However, she knew they needed more time to make sure their relationship with God and each other were strong. They married two years later, on June 17, 1960 and followed Frank's career to multiple towns throughout Minnesota.  They had two children, Tim and Marilee, whom they loved dearly. Jean was a dedicated mother who treasured her children and taught them a strong faith in Jesus.

When they arrived in Alexandria in 1972, they knew they were "home".  They raised their family and met many dear friends. Jean worked at Douglas County Hospital as a Medicare Billing Clerk for many years; she was a talented musician, singing in church and community groups, as well as playing the piano for church and personal enjoyment. She played the piano and sang at home most days of her life.

In 1988, Frank and Jean moved to the Twin Cities for work and to be near their grown children.  There, they became grandparents to Jessie, Shawn, Aaron, John, Noah and David. Jean was a wonderful grandmother who spoiled her grandchildren with love. She enjoyed spending time with them playing games, going to the Mall of America, baking cookies and hosting many tea parties.  Most importantly, she shared her faith in Jesus and lived her faith through her great example. Her grandchildren adored her and enjoyed spending time with her even as they grew into adults.

After 57 years of marriage, Jean lost the love of her life.  Despite the difficulty, she saw God's faithfulness and goodness in the many blessings she experienced, including being Grammy to 4 beautiful great-grandchildren, Annabelle, Sam, Joe, and Ryan.  She treasured her time with them reading books, playing, and baking.

Jean had the gift of hospitality, from hosting holiday gatherings and parties to inviting friends over for coffee, she made everyone feel special.  She was gifted in decorating, flower arranging, and many creative and artistic endeavors. She created a warm and welcoming environment.  She enjoyed travel, and often said half the fun was in the planning.  Her family had many amazing experiences across the United States because of the trips she planned.  She loved people, enjoyed spending time with them and showing her love for them, including her many nieces, nephews, and friends.  Her kind, loving spirit will be missed, but the legacy she left in her faith and love for others will live on in those who were blessed to know her.

https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/jean-kemp-burnsville-mn/