Shirel Claude Kemp

Surrounded by family, Shirel Claude Kemp passed away on January 14, 2023, from complications of advanced Parkinson’s disease, and joined his eternal sweetheart, Betty Jean Lambson Kemp. He married Betty on September 20, 1958, and they were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on January 13, 1962. They had five children and worked very hard to raise a good family. They cared dearly for their handicapped daughter, Claudia, and kept her at home as long as their health would allow.

Shirel was born July 25, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the youngest son of Ivo James Kemp & Claudia Hattie Sheppick Kemp. He was raised in Sandy, Utah, during the depression in humble circumstances, but said life was always happy and good. He admired his parents for their work ethic and for providing a good home for him and his brothers. Hunting and fishing with family and friends were a big part of his life, and left him with many fond memories. He gained a love of horses from watching the horses working in the fields when he was a boy. Watching horse pulling competitions provided some of his greatest enjoyment.

Shirel spent much of his life in the mink business and raised sheep and many other animals as well. He was a Marine in the Korean War. He had to sacrifice the mink population he had been building for years when he went into the Marines—a very costly sacrifice for his country. He also worked as a custodian for the LDS Church for many years. Honesty, integrity, and hard work were his priorities in life, along with home and family. He was a very talented gardener and kept at it until he could barely walk. Sharing his produce with others brought him much joy.

He served in many callings in the LDS Church, and cared for so many widows over the years. And he especially enjoyed serving the elderly residents in the Sandy Regional Care Center Branch with Betty. He also spent many years caring for Betty as her health declined. We know they are enjoying a wonderful reunion on the other side.

Shirel is survived by his children: Claudia Kemp, Lynette (Royce) Mumford, Ryan Kemp, Lisa (Randy) Rasmussen, & Julie Kemp. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 16½ great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Jackie Lambson and brother-in-law, Earl Cummings.

Shirel was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, and all his siblings: Keith (Darhl) Kemp, Don (Afton) Kemp, Ivo Ross Kemp, & Ivan Lloyd. He was also preceded in death by all 13 of Betty’s siblings.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, January 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Goff Mortuary, 8090 South State Street in Midvale. The funeral will be held on Friday, January 20, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hidden Creek Ward building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 586 East 8400 South in Sandy, Utah. There will be a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church preceding the funeral. Interment will follow at the South Jordan Cemetery, 10630 S 1055 W, South Jordan.

The service will be livestreamed on the Goff Mortuary Facebook Page at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Funeral-Service---Cemetery/Goff-Mortuary-116988261695382/ (The livestream video will appear when the service starts.)