Edward Anthony Kempfle III of New Holland, at 77 years of age, died at home on June 5, 2017 following a brief illness from pancreatic cancer. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Edward A. Kempfle, Jr. and Catherine Elizabeth Herzog Kempfle.

Ed was a 1958 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. At age 17 he obtained his pilot’s license and ferried airplanes from Osceola, Wisconsin to Garden Spot Air Park near Mountville, PA He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963 obtaining the rank of sergeant, while being stationed in Ft. McPherson, Georgia. He worked for Case New Holland (CNH) (formerly Sperry New Holland and Ford New Holland) for 41 years as a Systems Coordinator in the Purchasing Department. He coached Little League baseball and basketball teams for the Forrest Hills Junior League. He enjoyed bowling, playing guitar, power boating, and shooting pool (billiards). After retiring, for a challenge he learned to fly helicopters.

He formerly was active in the BPO Elk Lodge #1933 of Ephrata and was named Elk of the Year in 1992 after heading up their annual Hoop Shoot basketball program for young people. More recently, he was an active member of the American Legion Post #662 in New Holland, serving on the Board of Directors.

Ed was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of New Holland and served as Assistant Cemetery Manager since 2007 on the Cemetery Committee.

But most of all, Ed enjoyed making new friends. He loved his family. He was married to Pamela M. (Shirk) Kempfle for 42 years. He had two children: Catherine Elizabeth Grant of Tabernacle, New Jersey, and Edward A. Kempfle IV of Tempe, Arizona, as well as four grandchildren (Jordan Edward Kempfle of Boston, MA; Meghan Elizabeth Kempfle of Greenwich, CT; Ian Andrew Grant of Tabernacle, NJ; and Emma Catherine Grant of Boston, MA) and told each one of them that they were his favorite. He had a sister, Dorothy Ann (Wee) Cooper who was his best pal through life. His three nephews (Bobby, Tommy, and Mike) and niece Anita were always very close to him.

To all my friends at the American Legion Post #662, it was fun knowing you all and drink one for me; that’s for me, not on me. LOL.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 221 East Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557 with Rev. Dr. Charles Oberkehr officiating. A time of visitation will precede the service between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. Following the service, interment including military salute will be in the adjoining cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Groff-High- Eckenroth Funeral Home, New Holland, PA.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Memories and condolences may be shared online at www. groffeckenroth.com.

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