Darlene "Dolly" (Baron) Kempenich, age 86, of Maple Lake, died Saturday, October 31, 2020 at her home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2020 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Thursday, both at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. Masks or face coverings are required and attendees must follow social distancing guidelines. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home's website.
Darlene Marie (Baron) Kempenich was born at home on the family farm in rural Browerville, Minnesota on August 29, 1934 to Stanley and Susan (Berczyk) Baron. Dolly grew up with her six siblings on the farm and attended school in Browerville, graduating in 1952. Following her graduation, Dolly moved to Minneapolis and worked for American National Bank from 1952 until 1958. On September 24, 1956, Dolly was united in marriage to Leonard J. Kempenich at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Browerville. They made their home in Minneapolis before moving to Texas, California, back to Texas, and St. Paul, before deciding in 1972 to raise their four boys in Maple Lake. Dolly worked as a supervisor for Carlson Dolls from 1972 until they closed their doors. She then went to work for Buffalo Schools for four years, before officially retiring. Dolly was a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church, as well as the Council of Catholic Women. Dolly was an avid reader, and enjoyed doing needlepoint, playing cards, baking, and canning. Even though she claimed she did not like to cook, she was wonderful at it. She liked to listen to music, especially polka and country. Dolly was a longtime Minnesota Twins fan and cheered them on every season. Above all, Dolly cherished the time she was able to spend in the presence of her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Darlene is survived by sons and their wives, Alan and Jeannine of Farmington, Douglas and Teresa of Maple Lake, Mark and Terri of Andover, and Dale and Nancy of New Prague; 13 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; siblings, Roger (Alice) Baron, Shirley Doble, and Lillian Voges; sister-in-law, Jeanette Baron; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Len; parents, Stanley and Susan Baron; brothers, Matt, Eli, Richard (Audrey) Baron; brothers-in-law, Robert Voges and Jack Doble; and great-grandson, Logan.
Brian, Justin, Todd, Anthony, Keith, Curtis, and Christopher Kempenich will serve as pallbearers. Sarah Goelz will provide music for the service.
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