Leo (Ted) Kempel of Warsaw, Ohio, passed away at age 83 on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 after a short illness.  He is survived by his soulmate and wife of forty five years, Martyne Kempel (Hackman).  

 

Ted was a man of many talents, achievements, deep insight, gentle observations and achievements. 

 

Born on February 11th, 1942 to Leo C. and Hannah (Purcell) Kempel, Ted graduated from Hoban High School and went on to obtain his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton and his PhD from the University of Connecticut.  Although he had other academic opportunities, his heart was in Ohio and he joined the faculty at the College of Wooster as a professor of psychology.  Several years later, he decided to go into private practice, he and Martyne established a counselling and clinical psychology service in Wooster, until retiring to their country property. 

 

Ted was a master craftsman.  With his fellow craftsman, best friend and brother, Thomas Leo Kempel (Tom), they restored a log cabin built during the civil war. He then expanded it into a larger log home for Martyne and him, built and made available a place for spiritual retreats, designed and planted many flower gardens and nurtured a productive vegetable garden.  Walking through the forests of his “farm” with his dog, Duff, was one of his deepest pleasures.  

 

All of us who were fortunate enough to experience his humour, support, helping hand and wise advice will miss him immensely.  

Surviving in addition to Martyne is his brother, Thomas Leo Kempel, Tom’s partner Ellen Miletti, both of Killbuck and his nephew Dr. Leo C. (Catherine) Kempel of Okemos, Michigan.  

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister-in-law Margaret A. Kempel; a niece, Patricia A. Toth and nephew, Timothy Leo Kempel.  

 

Those wishing to share a memory or make online condolences may do so by visiting www.alexanderfhinc.com.  

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Mennonite Central Committee https://mcc.org