OTTOVILLE — Isadore J. "Ike" Kemper, 88, of Ottoville passed away at 6:35 a.m., Sunday, May 23, 2021, at The Meadows of Delphos. He was born September 7, 1932, in Putnam County to the late Herman and Theresia (Ricker) Kemper. On October 13, 1962, he married the love of his life, Leona M. Ricker. She preceded him in death on May 3, 2020.

Survivors include four sons: Terry (Kelly) Kemper, Larry (Cherie) Kemper, Patrick (Shari) Kemper, and Kevin (Stacie) Kemper, all of Ottoville; one daughter, Janice (Robert) Foppe of Kalida; twelve grandchildren: Ryan, Cody, Eryn, Logan, Derek, Dylan, Rachel, Kiersten and Kinsley Kemper, and Nicholas, Katelyn, and Matthew Foppe; and two sisters: Theresa (Jim) Kramer of Ottoville and Agnes Ostendorf of Ft. Jennings.

He was also preceded in death by seven brothers: Henry (Mary) Kemper, Leo (Angela) Kemper, Lawrence Kemper, Arnold (Alice & Norma) Kemper, Alphonse Kemper, John (Ruth) Kemper and Joe (Eileen) Kemper; and four sisters: Frances (Alex) Muzechuck, Amelia (Frank) Burdg, Bertha (Carl) Gasser and Lucille (Elmer Wittler & Bob) Lammers; and a brother-in-law, Don Ostendorf.

Ike grew up on the family farm just north of Ottoville with his brothers and sisters. He loved to farm. When he got older and did not farm anymore, he loved looking at the many different models of International Farmall tractors.

Ike was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5669 in Kalida; a life member of the Ottoville VFW Post #3740; and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2234, Ottawa.

Ike was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served during peacetime after the Korean War. He operated the boiler on the U.S.S. Begor. Ike retired from Philips Display Components Company in Ottawa after 35 years.

Ike was a life-long member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville. He helped build the St. Isidore and Lourdes grottos on each sides of the church. He also helped lay brick to the church when they added to the back of the church.

A funeral mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 27, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Fr. Jerome Schetter and Fr. Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville with military rites by the Ottoville VFW. In keeping with social distance guidelines, visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Twp.

Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Church T.V Fund or St. Mary's Cemetery Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com