Robert William Kempkes, born Jan. 1, 1922, in Nebraska, was owner and editor of The Bee, Phillips, from 1970 to 1980 — when he returned to the education field.
After attending Creighton University in Omaha and serving as a seaman in World War II, Kempkes married Nina Kirkwood and completed his master’s degree at the University of Nebraska.
Kempkes was a teacher and school administrator in Nebraska and in many Wisconsin communities, including Horicon, Randolph, Princeton and Park Falls.
He and his wife returned to Phillips in 1992 when they retired.
Kempkes died Friday, March 17, 2000, at the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Phillips.
