Ishpeming – Lillian E. (Backa) Kemp, age 87, of 669 E. Division St., Ishpeming passed away on Tuesday July 20, 2010 at the Mather Nursing Center where she had resided since February.


Lillian was born May 26, 1923 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Wayrynen) Backa. She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1941. Lillian married Donald Kemp in 1948, and he preceded her in death on May 26, 1984. She worked for several years at the Peninsula Bank in Ishpeming in the Bookkeeping Dept. Lillian was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church, where she had been active with the Quilters. She enjoyed knitting and reading along with her shopping trips which always included dining out.


Survivors include a special cousin Pauline (Will) Paar of Roselle, IL, a special niece Sheryl (Bill) Schrandt of Ishpeming and their families, an aunt and uncle Evert & Elinore Wayrynen of Stephenson, a sister-in-law Evelyn Kemp of Marquette, along with her nephews and many other cousins and friends.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:30 – 10:30am on Saturday July 24, 2010 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Saturday at the Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.


Memorials may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church's - Social Ministry, Quilters or Memorial Fund in Lillian's memory.