Carolyn Kaye Stultz-Kempema

Carolyn Kaye Stultz-Kempema, born September 23, 1947, passed away peacefully at home on February 20, 2026, at the age of 78, surrounded by her loving daughters, Shelley and Christine, and her husband, Jerry. Carolyn was an amazing sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Christy-Smith Funeral Homes, Morningside Chapel (1801 Morningside Avenue) with a Visitation taking place one hour prior.

A lifelong resident of Sioux City, Iowa, Carolyn graduated from Westfield, sharing her high school years with her sister among her classmates. She married Kenneth Stultz, and together they built a life and a business, running Stultz Plumbing and Heating for over 50 years during their 54 years of marriage.

After Kenneth’s passing, Carolyn found love again and married Gerald (Jerry) Kempema. With Jerry, she explored new horizons, traveling to places like Australia and Alaska, and cherished summers camping with her sisters and brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her daughters, Shelley Bushar (Lance) of Harrisburg, SD, and Christine Hunter (James) of Council Bluff, IA; her husband, Gerald Kempema; grandchildren, Elizabeth Jones (Jarod), Jessica Bushar-Mehlhalf (Alex), LeAnn Bushar, Lindsey Hunter, Ian Hunter, and Abigail Rysavy (Luke). She is also survived by her sisters, Mary Jane Johns, Kathy Brunsting (Dennis); sisters-in-law, Mary Ellen Carlson and Joanne Carlson; sisters, Sandy Welch (Leo), Cheri Sanders (Dennis), and Laurie Blanchard (Mike); and special aunt, Phyllis Hanson; along with seven great grandchildren.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Stultz; her parents, Doug and LaVerne Carlson; her brothers, Douglas, Dick, and Dan Carlson; her sister, Jeanne Carlson; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Johns.

Carolyn’s legacy of love, generosity, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.