Richard "Dick" D. Kemplin, 94, of Mercer, passed away with his family by his side on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Minocqua.

Dick was born the son of Raymond V. and Myrtle (Benson) Kemplin on November 28, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended and ultimately graduated from the University of Illinois. In-between years of college, and after graduating, he served in the Army Air Force which led him to the Korean War serving as a photojournalist. After leaving the military his interest in journalism continued as he worked with the Milwaukee Journal. Dick returned to the Chicago area where he continued with a successful career in communications and public relations working with many large corporations.

Dick loved being in the Northwoods and was fortunate to establish a home in Mercer, WI. Here he maintained his house and property and was often found walking trails or cutting wood as some of his favorite pastimes. He enjoyed sailing, skiing and snowmobiling. Dick loved to learn about genealogy and history, which he read extensively about.

As further fortune followed him, on June 2, 2001, Dick was united in marriage with Virginia "Ginny" Dale in Chicago. While continuing more of a "retired" life in the Northwoods with Ginny, Dick was very involved in the community and with their many friends. He was a member of the Mercer VFW Post #9536, Shriner's Club, and he was a Freemason of Mercer. Using his writing and PR skills, he continued to work by helping these, and other, community organizations. As an avid writer, he also began writing his own memoir.

Dick will be missed by his wife, Ginny; son, Raymond (Mailyn) Kemplin; daughter, Connie (Michael) Hochman; two grandchildren, Kayla and Alex Hochman; his step family, Denise Bartram, Jeffery Stalnaker, Sean Stalnaker, Tracy Jennings; and 11 grandchildren. He is further survived by many other friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Neva and Lois.

A celebration of Dick's life, with family and friends, is being planned.