William "Willie" Francis Kempf (37) of Castroville, Texas died of cancer on December 3, 2024 with his wife Chelsea Marie (Rothe) Kempf by his side.

He is survived by Chelsea and their children Grace Elizabeth (7), Belle Marie (7), Braden Andrew (5), Lillian Katherine (4) and Blaise Eric (2). He is also survived by his parents Franklin "Frankie" and Nadine Kempf, brother Joshua Kempf, nephews Nicolas, Gabriel, Joseph, and niece Teresa, and grandparents Francis and Helen Lutz and Renee (Kempf) Tschirhart (Rodney) all of Castroville; father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Kimberly Rothe of D'Hanis, sisters-in-laws Brittany Sciarillo (Joseph), Nicole Jones (Nicholas), Megan Rothe and brother-in-law Clint Rothe (Caitlyn) and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandfather Gerald "Gerry" Kempf.

William's highest priority in his life was his faith. And, the grace that was granted to him by his faith fueled his passionate love and devotion for Chelsea and their children. He began dating Chelsea in 2014 and they were married in 2015 at San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio. He was a loving husband and an active father in his five children's lives, enjoying with them sports, recitals, swimming, holidays, and hunting. He often came home early from work to spend additional time with them. The family enjoyed traveling together, including several road trips across the United States.

William was educated at St. Louis Catholic School and Medina Valley High School where he graduated in 2006. Following in his father and grandfather's baseball footsteps, he went on to Baylor University where he received a scholarship as a pitcher and was twice elected captain of the team. He played in the Cape Cod and Northwoods Leagues before being drafted by the Atlanta Braves organization. Following his time in baseball he joined the Endura Group as a commercial real estate broker and developer, rising to be a principal in the firm.

William was a devoted Catholic throughout his life and in his final year his relationship with Jesus became deeply personal, and he spoke often of the importance of passing down his faith to his children. He believed in the importance of Catholic education and was a fervent supporter of St. Louis Catholic School where his academic foundation began. In addition, he was a founding member of the committee to open the new Catholic middle and high school in Castroville. He was also active in the efforts to improve his hometown, using his real estate experience to found a Castroville community investment fund, which at his passing had revitalized more than 10 buildings in the historic downtown.

William will be remembered for his ever-cheerful and outgoing friendliness and his captivating smile. He was genuine and charitable, never seeking recognition from others. His legacy will live on in his wife and children, family and friends.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 5:30 p.m. with Rosary to follow, 7:30 p.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church (Castroville). The Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, December 11, 10 a.m., at St. Louis Catholic Church (Castroville) followed by interment at St. Louis Catholic Cemetery (Castroville).

Donations in William's name can be made to St. Louis Catholic School or to the feasibility work of the new Catholic Middle and High School in Castroville. Donations to St. Louis Catholic School can be mailed to 607 Madrid, Castroville, TX 78009. Donations to the new Catholic School should be mailed to 610 Madrid, Castroville, TX 78009 with checks made out to "St. Louis Parish" and the memo line "New Middle/High School."

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com