Donald Eberle Kuempel, Sr. passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at his home, after a courageous battle of heart and renal diseases. In the prior months, Donald had been in the hospital several times and knowing the severity of his illness his wish was to pass graciously and peacefully in his home. Donald received Hospice care during his final days and was surrounded by family and so much love.
Donald (or Don as he was commonly known) was born Jan. 28, 1944, at John’s Hospital in Taylor. He grew up in a large family of eight on E.
Lake Dr., and like many in small towns, the family endured many obstacles and economic hardships.
Thus, he opted to drop out of high school in ninth grade to find work in Austin to support his parents and siblings- this was not uncommon back then.
Catching a ride to Austin, he found a resting and sleeping spot on a bench located near a neighborhood grocery store.
The next morning, he walked over to Culp’s Grocery on Airport Blvd.
The owner, JD Culp, asked, “if bananas are two pounds for twentyfive cents, how much is a pound of bananas?” Don quickly quipped, 13 cents a pound.” He was hired on the spot. This was his introduction to the grocery business where he would work very long hours and days to support himself and family.
In 1961, Don’s vocational path changed when he enlisted in the United States Army, at the youthful age of 17. After basic training in Ft. Hood, he was stationed first in Germany and eventually in Korea. While in the Army, he earned his GED and was a decorated Sharp Shooter (Rifle M-1).
He was so fond of both countries and would often speak positively of his experiences and shared countless stories of the places and people he encountered. He humbly enjoyed serving his time in the Army and was honorably discharged from duty in April of 1964.
Whenever he had the opportunity to visit and engage with other service veterans, he could spend hours passionately reliving fond memories and stories. When once asked who or what inspired him? Besides family, he would often say it was the unwavering structure and discipline he learned in the military.
While in the military, at the age of 19, he married his sweetheart, Jeanette Kruse, who coincidentally also grew up in Taylor on E. Lake Dr. just a few hundred feet from his family home. After completing his three-year military term he reunited with Culp’s Grocery and was soon elevated to manager, a position he held for several years until he left to open his own grocery store, Don’s Grocery, located on S. Congress. His business prospered and was very successful for a while; however, due to the economic decline of small, independent grocers to corporate grocery chains, he sold out and sought other opportunities.
Don reunited with the Culp brothers and was employed at First Prize Meat Market on Airport Blvd. He was a master butcher for many years, and he was very loyal to his customers. In addition to meat cutting, he was also a pit master, and during the holidays he smoked the best turkeys and hams.
In 1986, Don took a dramatic risk and partnered with his cousin, Dennis Kuempel, to start Living Proof Sprinkler Company. Dennis was a great mentor and through independent course study, Don became a licensed sprinkler irrigator. When Don retired in 2016, his grandson, Phillip, took over the family business.
More than anything, he loved to spend time with his grand-children and great grand-children.
Affectionately called Papa, he would spend hours playing with each of them. They will always remember his playful youthfulness and unwavering desire to build forts, play hide-and-seek, and engage in imaginary adventures.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eleanor Kuempel; sisters, Karen Barrington and Eleanor Buchhorn; and nephew Mark Kuempel.
Donald is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jeanette Kuempel and their two children Donald Kuempel, Jr. and wife Michelle of Pflugerville and Diane Heselmeyer and husband Jeff of Taylor; along with three grandchildren, Phillip Kuempel and wife Haley of Bartlett, Kayla Kleypas and husband Zack of Pflugerville and Ashley Thomas and husband Colin of Colorado; seven greatgrandchildren Madelyn, Jaxson, Tucker, Easton, Camden, Harrison, and Luke; brothers, Gary and wife Judy of Austin, Jack and wife Janelle of Taylor and David Kuempel of Taylor. Also left to cherish his memory are his nephews, nieces and numerous friends he has made throughout his lifetime.
Serving as Pallbearers are Phillip Kuempel, Colin Thomas, Zack Kleypas, Keith Barrington, Zane Wofford and Cameron Wofford.
A funeral service was held Thursday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m. at Providence Funeral Home. After the service, lunch will be served at the SPJST in Taylor.
