Kempert C. Krogen, age 86 of Boscobel, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on August 24 th , 2022. He was the son of Clarence and Esther (Lange) Krogen. Kempert was born and raised on a farm in rural Blue River. He graduated from Blue River High School in 1953 and Madison Business College with a degree in bookkeeping and accounting. In January 1957, he married his wife of 58 years, Marilyn (Curry) Krogen, who preceded him in death.
Kempert and Marilyn started their family in Madison while he completed his schooling. In 1959, they moved their family back to Boscobel. At this time, he joined his in-laws Jack and Stella (Blondie) Curry at the Gambles Hardware Store. In 1990 the store was remodeled and became Krogen’s. Kempert continued to run the family business until his “retirement!” Along with running the business, Kempert was an active member of the Boscobel community where he served as President and a member of the Boscobel Chamber of Commerce. He helped establish the antique power show, the Hickory Grove Golf Course, Boscobel’s Ducks Unlimited chapter, as well as Boscobel’s Sportsman’s Club. In 1998, Kempert was presented the Boscobel Citizen of the Year Award. Kempert was a founding member of the Boscobel Developers, which started in 1968. In the early days he worked to bring Advance Transformer, Lands’ End, and Royal Parlor Furniture to town. This committee was also instrumental in securing the first spec. building, American Can, and the Supermax Prison. In 2001, he received the Wisconsin Economic Development Association (WEDA) Biennial Award recognizing Individual Excellence in Economic Development. He served for many years on the Boscobel Area Healthcare Board and was a Foundation member. Kempert served as President and a member of the Boscobel Kiwanis Club, and worked endlessly with the Empty Stocking fundraiser, which benefited local families in need. He served as Master and member of the Masonic Lodge and Zor Shrine achieving the 32 nd degree of Freemasonry. Kempert recently received his Certificate of Fifty Years of Service with the Grand Lodge. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Boscobel and an avid Boscobel Bulldog Booster. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and wintering at his home in Florida.
Kempert is survived by his son Karl (Marianne) Krogen of Boscobel, and daughter Kaye (Jeff) Mortimer of Farmington MN, along with daughter in law Debbie Krogen, and grandchildren Zachary Krogen, Kyle Krogen (Jade Sharp), Allison Krogen (Dustin Olson), Maggie Mortimer, Mason Mortimer, great grandson Oliver Olson, sister Lotus (Duane) Griffin, and special friend Jeanenne Richardson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn, sons Kent, Kory, and Kord, brother Arden Krogen and sister Marlin Ann Nelson.
Services will be held on Friday, September 2nd, 2022 at 11am at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1202 Park Street, Boscobel with William Rettig officiating. The burial will be in the Boscobel Cemetery following the service.
Friends may call at the First Congregational United Church of Christ on Thursday, September 1 st from 4- 8pm or one hour prior to services on Friday. A Masonic Service will begin at 7:30pm on Thursday.
Memorials can be given to the Gunderson Boscobel Area Hospital and Clinics Foundation, Boscobel Education Foundation, Boscobel Community Foundation or the First Congregational United Church of Christ.
Assisting the family with arrangements is Dean Fisher – Ballard-Sunder Funeral Homes.
