Mark W. Kemper

Mark W. Kemper, 48, of Shaler Township, formerly of Penn Township passed away Feb. 25 with his wife, Tracy, by his side.

Born in Oil City, April 29, 1969, Mark was the eldest son of William D. Kemper and Patricia J. (Sellers) Kemper of Butler. He was the husband of Tracy J. (Duffy) Kemper; and brother to Bret W. and Gregory S. Kemper. He was the father of two children, Katie M. and William J. “Will” Kemper.

Mark graduated from Knoch High School in 1987, and after completing college at Westminster in 1991, pursued further studies at Duquesne University, where he received a post graduate degree in education.

For his life's work, what suited Mark best was not the classroom, but doing what his grandfather and grandfather's father did, working for himself and doing the kind of physical labor that requires using his hands as well as his head. He was known for his good work and reliability in the business of installing ceramic tile and flooring. Mark eventually went into sales and was employed by Rite Rug Flooring of Cranberry until illness disabled him in February 2017.

Mark enjoyed playing golf, fishing and following the Pittsburgh sports teams. He had many friends who enjoyed his company. Mark was always thought of as a good and loyal companion who could bring about a smile whether or not it was the right time and place.

In his younger days, he was a talented and avid baseball player who always strived to give his best. He was only able to coach his son, Will, briefly, but in that time he made a better player out of Will and a better man of himself.

Mark's family wishes to thank the many good friends that he had made in his lifetime for visiting with him and helping him in the final weeks of his life, telling stories and reliving the great times that they had with him in his much too short lifetime.

Thanks for helping us to see that Mark's journey through this life was quite a ride, and just the beginning of another adventure for him and all of us when we meet again. As Mark rests now, he is free of pain and at peace with himself. Godspeed to him.

KEMPER — A memorial service for Mark W. Kemper, who died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Audubon Succop Conservancy, 185 W. Airport Road, Butler, with the Rev. Paul Reichart officiating. A celebration of Mark's life will follow.Arrangements were handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.For those who were unable to say goodbye to Mark when he was with us, your condolences may be shared at www.thompson-miller.com.