Kay L. Tempel, 80

Blue Earth – Kay L. Tempel, age 80, of Blue Earth, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Blue Earth. Burial took place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Kay Louise was born on Oct. 8, 1943, in Winnebago to Robert and Eleanor (Knudtson) Durkee. She attended and graduated in 1962 from Blue Earth High School. Kay went on to attend Mankato State University, graduating with a major in Home Economics Education and a minor in Art. On April 1, 1967, Kay married Joseph W. Tempel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winnebago. Kay taught for two years at Roseville Middle School while Joe finished his internship.  Joe and Kay returned to Blue Earth in 1970 to raise their family.

Kay was a member of SSPP Catholic Church in Blue Earth. She was active in various organizations including Mitchell Chautauqua Circle and PEO. 

Kay enjoyed reading, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She planned and looked forward to yearly vacations with her kids and grandchildren to gather, bond, and create memories.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Joseph; son, Daniel (Colleen) Tempel, of Easton, Pennsylvania; daughters, Anne (Mike) Johnson, of Brooklyn Park, and Susan (Aaron) Heil, of Albertville; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Ann Durkee and Steven Durkee.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Tempel; her parents, Robert and Eleanor Durkee; and her sister, Mary Fay.

Memorial donations are preferred to UHD Hospice and St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center.