Howard Francis Gemperline
September 28, 1924 - February 20, 2020
Howard Francis Gemperline was born on September 28, 1924 and entered into eternal life February 20, 2020 surrounded by loving family. Howard is survived by his loving wife Eileen, children Ken(Donna), Mark(Patricia), Jim(Cathy), Pat(Jan), Joe(Jan), Marie White(Lyle), Andrew(Lisa), and Doug, as well as 25 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren who felt his life was a blessing beyond words. He is survived by brothers Eugene(Bernadine) and John(Sarah).
Howard was born in Portsmouth Ohio. He lived there until entering the Army where he served in WWII from 1942-1945. After the war, Howard credits the GI bill for allowing him to pursue a BS and MS in chemistry, as well as PhD work in atomic energy research. He was fond of telling his children, “An education is the one thing that can never be taken from you.” Howard married Eileen Sommer on July 4, 1953 in Portsmouth, Ohio. They raised their family in Ames, Iowa; Tonawanda, NY; Fremont, Ohio and Delta, Utah.
A lifelong Catholic, Howard’s faith was exemplified by his love for others and demonstrated daily in his interactions with his family, friends, colleagues and community. Howard and Eileen received the “Madeline Award” from the Diocese of Salt Lake City for their tireless work in establishing the St. John Bosco Mission Church in Delta, Utah.
Howard was a pragmatic optimist with a love for adventure and storytelling. With an opportunity to be lead chemist for Brush/Wellman, he moved his family west to Utah to help design and operate their plant for 35 years. He quickly appreciated the natural beauty and limitless opportunities for skiing, hiking, hunting and camping. He also enjoyed endless hours playing board games and cards with his children and grandchildren.
Despite his own illnesses, Howard dedicated his later years to caring for his beloved wife of 66 years who is living with dementia.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Spring Gardens (formerly the Abbington), Brighton Home Care and Bristol Hospice for their love, dedication in care and support.
A Rosary is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St Vincent De Paul Church, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah 84117.
In Loving Memory
Marie, Andrew, Joe, Mark, Kenny, hopefully I haven't forgotten anyone. Your father was probably my favorite uncle. I didn't get to see him much, but when I did he was always easy and kind to talk to. He was very funny too. A lot of your cousins will probably say the same thing. One of the best memories I have of your Dad is the night before my mom's funeral. My Dad (Al) was in poor spirits but your dad literally kept his spirits up by playing cards with us and never letting Dad's glass of Scotch go empty. Dad told me later he needed that. I think the only person that got upset at that was my sister Peg, because she was trying to sleep when a bunch of drunk Gemperline's were having an Irish Wake. I wish I could be there with you in your time of grief. I love you guys and your mom.
To all the amazing Gemperline family, Maria and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. A loss not only to you but to us as well. Howard was one of those heroes from the village that raised me. It is so hard another to lose another of the greatest generation. We will always remember his humor and his Good Will towards everyone.
What a fun person to be around! It is so easy to remember his laughter over board games + cards, his false indignation over Aggravation losses, teaching about plants + rocks at his home, doing adventurous favors with relish... And what a full life! He once talked of childhood memories of steam trains + excitement about electric cars in the same minute - He saw so much. When he went to Europe, he entered a greater danger + unknown than missions to the moon faced, then worked hard for an education afterward. He danced to big bands in LA, practiced harmonica, National Park hopped, found he loved the desert...he found the things he loved. Stepping back and looking at my Grandpa objectively, I feel even more fortunate that I know him. He acted upon what he thought was right versus what could get him ahead. He was a genuinely kind person, whose thoughts always turned toward others, especially Grandma and his family. I will love and admire Grandpa always
To all the Gemperline family I came from Cedar City often to celebrate a Sunday Service at St. John Bosco Church in Delta. Howard was a special kind person. We had many fun times together. Eileen cooked Sunday breakfast for us after Sunday Mass. I have wonderful memories of Howard and his kindness to me. Sister Yvonne Hatt CSC
In Loving Memory
