Edwin Kempel, 79, Mandan, died March 7, 2017 at his home. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 13, 2017 at 1:00 pm at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. Burial will be held at 3:00 pm Monday at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Sunday, March 12, 2017, at Parkway Funeral Service where a rosary/vigil will begin at 6:00 pm. Edwin Kempel was born September 23, 1937 to Frederick and Regina (Krosting) Kempel in Gaylord, MN. He grew up in Elliot, ND before enlisting in the USAF at the age of 17. He served two tours in Vietnam and was a member of the Air National Guard. He retired with a combined 21 years of service. Edwin owned his own dry wall business for 17 years, he also worked for the University of Mary in the shop and as grounds keeper for 19 years, before retiring in 2004. Edwin enjoyed watching sports, antiquing, traveling, bowling, going to the casino, gardening, tinkering in his garage, reading and spending time with his family. He is survived by the love of his life, for the past 18 years, Kathy Papineau, Mandan; his son, Eric, Bismarck; grandchildren, Payge and Drew; sister, Joyce (Jerome) Kapaun, Mapleton, ND; nephews and a niece; sister-in-law, Marjean Kempel, Pilot Rock, OR as well as his extended family, which include Kathy’s children, Kristie (Marlyn) Seidler, Underwood, ND; Karla (Kevin) Papineau, Streeter; Kerry (Brad) Maas, Minot and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Edwin is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Alvin and Clarence; and a niece; Julie Kapaun.