Donald Kempf graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1971 with a degree in agronomy. After graduation, he and his wife, Shirley, spent two years in community development work in Brazil with Mennonite Central Committee and then returned to the family farm.
Kempf has served as a member of the local school board and as chairperson of the MCC Central States board. He also was on the Outreach and Service Committee and currently is on the Stewardship Committee of Central Plains Mennonite Conference. Donald and Shirley serve their local church in music ministry and teaching Sunday school. They spend every winter volunteering with SOOP in Phoenix, Arizona.
Kempf was the Ecuador and Venezuela Partnership coordinator for Central Plains Mennonite Conference from 2008-2018. This role included leading fellowship and learning tours and developing relationships through reciprocal visits with our partners in Ecuador. He says, “It has been a privilege to be able to partner with Mennonite Mission Network and the Colombia Mennonite Church as we related to our sisters and brothers in Venezuela and Ecuador”.
Donald and Shirley have three sons and five grandchildren.
In his spare time, Kempf likes to read history, theology and fiction. He also enjoys travel, music and biking.