Wayne C. Kempthorne

January 9, 1931-November 2, 2023

Freeport: Wayne “WC” Kempthorne, 92, was called home peacefully on November 2, 2023 after a brief illness.

He was born in Hanover, Illinois on January 9, 1931. The son of John “Jack” and Fleta Kempthorne (St. John)

He worked as a switchman and yardmaster at Illinois Central Railroad for 43 years. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict.

An avid hunter and fisherman since childhood, there was no land, lake, or river off limits, often finding himself wandering onto farm property he had no business on! Traveling to Canada, Iowa, Tennessee, Colorado, Wyoming, and Arkansas with his many hunting buddies, for whom he developed a special bond and a lifetime of love and friendship.

Wayne knew the true meaning of “man’s best friend.” He owned several dogs throughout his lifetime. His three vizslas had a special place in his heart as they enjoyed the hunt alongside him faithfully for over 30 years: Jessie Red, Hannah, and his beloved Sadie. Just days before his passing, he and Sadie were duck hunting on his private property, a haven he lived and breathed for.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruth (Kunkle) Kempthorne; children Rosanne (Jay) Tuttle; Mike Kempthorne, Terese Kempthorne, and Lisa Kempthorne; sister, Susan (Dick) Bigelow; grandchild Maria Kempthorne; great grandchildren Dylon and Alivia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister MaryAnn, and brother Kenny.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday November 8, 2023 at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport with Chaplain Jeremy Heller officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Ducks Unlimited or Freeport Friends Forever.

For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.burketubbs.com