ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, SPC Joseph B. Cemper, 21, born on November 15, 1989 and passed away on April 16, 2011. We will remember him forever.

Spc. Joseph Brian Cemper of Ft. Campbell, KY. was killed in action April 16th at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan. He was 21. Born in Omaha, NE, November 15, 1989 to Eugene B. and Angela D. Cemper. Joseph joined the Army in 2009 and served with distinction in the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Joseph embodied a unique combination of character traits: leadership, charisma, humility, honor, heroism and an insatiable need to serve his country. He conducted his life and executed his duty staying true to those ideals.

Spc. Joseph Brian Cemper of Ft. Campbell, KY. was killed in action April 16th at Forward Operating Base Gamberi, Afghanistan. He was 21.

Born in Omaha, NE, November 15, 1989 to Eugene B. and Angela D. Cemper. Joseph joined the Army in 2009 and served with distinction in the 101st Special Troops Battalion, 101st Sustainment Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.
Joseph embodied a unique combination of character traits: leadership, charisma, humility, honor, heroism and an insatiable need to serve his country. He conducted his life and executed his duty staying true to those ideals. Those fortunate to have met Joseph may never again know a man with a bigger heart, or a more caring soul. Having paid the ultimate price in the service of his country, we take solace in the fact that he is with the Heavenly Father. Joseph's sense of duty to God and Country are evidenced by his numerous accomplishments.

His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal; Purple Heart Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct Medal.
Joseph is survived by his parents Eugene B. and Angela D. Cemper; 
Fiancé, Abbie Lynne Wernimont, and his son Liam; 
his brothers, Joshua and Noah Cemper; sisters Rachel, Lydia and Leah Cemper; 
Grandmother Cheryl Kurtz of Papillion, NE; 
Grandparents Dave and Karen Galaska of Omaha, NE; 
Grandparents Eugene and Sunny Cemper of Omaha, NE; 
Uncle Chad Kurtz and his wife Ann; cousins Naomi and Nathanael of Denver, CO; 
Uncle Cory Kurtz and his wife Susan; cousins Jonah and Avigail of Omaha, NE; 
Uncle Brian Kreager and his wife Jennifer; cousins, Jocelyn, Lauren, Delaney, and Gavin of Duluth, MN; 
Uncle Hogan Cemper, Omaha. NE;
Uncle Michael Cemper and his wife Ramona; cousin Tanner of Cardiff by the Sea, CA. 
Extended family includes the United States Army – 101st Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell, KY.
April 16
April 16
Dearest Joseph,
Thirteen years ago today you took your step into eternity with Jesus. For us, your family, it felt like the end; but for you, your start of Forever - what you were created for.

While we mourn your end with us, we know your journey has taken you into the presence of God and one day we too will take this step into eternity and be with you, again!

Letting go of you is a daily struggle, your memory lives on and your absence is painful. Therefore, we cherish the memories and photos we have of you and our hearts rejoice that we had you for 21 short years here on earth. We are looking forward to eternity with you and seeing your amazing smile.

Dearest Joseph, until we meet again, know you are loved and remembered!

Love you Joseph,
Mom
November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023
Dearest Joseph, Today I remember your birthday and the privilege I had to welcome you into this world with your Mom & Dad. 

I celebrate the gift you were to our family and the special memories we have with you.

You are loved and remembered with deep affection. I look forward to our blessed reunion!
Love you. Joseph! ❤️
Mom
November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
Dearest Joseph,
Today is your 33rd birthday, a day to celebrate you! You are loved and missed and never forgotten. You brought so much joy into my life and I cherish the memories we had together. I share your story and your winsome ways often. I recall the Little League baseball championship in MI and how you cheered your team on. It was late, the day was long and everyone was tired and ready to quit. When your voice rang out "We can do it", over and over until you had the team chanting as well.  Oh how you are missed. I love you sweet Joseph.   Mom
April 16, 2022
April 16, 2022
Dearest Joseph,
Our hope remains as we celebrate the risen Savior this Easter weekend. Because He lives we will be reunited and spend eternity together.
Until then, you are loved remembered and missed.
Mom
November 15, 2020
November 15, 2020
Dearest Joseph,
Yesterday your parents, sisters, paternal grandmother & step paternal grandfather and I celebrate your birthday at your gravesite with balloons, flowers, confetti and Batman decorations. I made your favorite ice cream birthday cake, we lit candles and sang Happy Birthday as we let the balloons fly heavenward.
Joseph you are remembered, cherished and loved as much today as the day you were born. We look forward to the day Jesus comes to reunite us for eternity.
Love you forever and always.
Mom
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
With gratitude for your love for the United States and your willingness to stand in that love, your name is spoken. Your mark continues to be seen. You are missed. You are remembered. You are loved.
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Joseph was the most selfless person I have ever known. He was always quick to defend the defenseless and protect the oppressed. This is evidenced by his service and dedication to our country. While I am saddened by his loss, I am proud of all of his efforts to protect our country. When I think of Joseph, I am reminded of his smile and the kindness in his eyes. I am comforted by the fact that he is with God.. Bless you Joseph Brian Cemper. I love you.
April 16, 2020
April 16, 2020
Dearest Joseph,

Missing you and looking forward to our reunion. I love you!
Mom



But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thess. 4:13‑18). 
April 16, 2019
April 16, 2019
Thoughts of you and your family today. Your dad has been posting pictures on Facebook. I think they help everyone smile on this day we will never forget.
April 17, 2018
April 17, 2018
I missed the anniversary of your death by a year. You are sorely missed SPC Cemper. Please tell everyone I know & care up there hi and that I love them. Miss you all so much see you when I see you.
April 16, 2018
April 16, 2018
Dearest Joseph think of you often ! Thankful for sweet memories and the gift you are to our family. Miss you.
April 16, 2018
April 16, 2018
Forever a Hero, for our Family and Our Country
November 15, 2017
November 15, 2017
Thinking of you and the day you were born, 28 years ago and how blessed we were to have you in our lives. Love and miss you.
April 16, 2017
April 16, 2017
Dearest Joseph, Another year passes and your memory lives on, you will never be forgotten. Today is Easter and Jesus victory over death gives us reason for hope, He is coming again and our reunion is imminent, we wait for that great day expectantly. Love you, Joseph. Mom
November 15, 2016
November 15, 2016
Dearest Joseph, Thinking of you on your 27th birthday ! I think of you often and recall your generous spirit and engaging smile. You are missed in so many ways, but Joseph you are never forgotten. Your familiar words to me "so mom, how are you" spoken with genuine
concern always bring a smile followed by a tear. I miss you and love you deeply.
November 14, 2016
November 14, 2016
Joe, in middle school your smile always lit up a room, your laughter was contagious and when someone had a frown upside down you knew how to cheer that person up. Forever more you will be missed Joe. Rest In Peace Forever more Joseph Brian Cemper.
May 7, 2016
May 7, 2016
Joseph, Thinking of you and your Ma this Mothers Day and how you loved each other. So thankful a part of you lives on through your precious son, Liam. Abbie is a good mother to Liam and she loves him very much. You chose well. Love & miss you.
November 16, 2015
November 16, 2015
My heart still hurts to acknowledge that you're not here with us in body; however, I see your spirit in a special little man each time I am with him. I only hope you know you are missed and loved, Joe. You and Abbie have a lasting legacy in Liam...and, I thank you for that. Much love, Joseph...you are sorely missed.
November 16, 2015
November 16, 2015
Joe, you are continuously thought about my friend. So many happy, funny memories from high school about you, my friend. Seeing that little man of yours grow up is truly amazing to see, he is you in a little person. I thank you every day for the sacrifices you made for us. You are my hero! I miss you.
November 16, 2015
November 16, 2015
My fondest memory of Joe was him and Kyle with their too short T-shirts running around the softball fields cheering on the WHS softball team--their own personal cheerleaders. Both Joe and Kyle taken way too soon. I'm sure they are coming up with some great ideas in heaven.
April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015
You are in my heart and thoughts today, and each time I look at that sweet little face of Liam's. You are never forgotten, and always missed.
April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015
FROM THE FATHER'S HEART
My child, you've walked away from the funerals of your loved ones with fresh memories still clinging to you like grave clothes. Tears have filled your eyes as you've said good-bye to the last dreams of your heart. Remember, for those who love Me and are My children, death is but a step into eternity with Me. It is never the end but the start of forever - what you were created for! Take heart. I am the resurrection and the life. Where I am, you will be also. Find peace in Me.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSE
Lord, death could not hold You. And because of You, the resurrection, we, too, can live. Thank You that the grave is only a journey into the presence of God. You have removed the sting of death and empowered this thing called life. Now Joseph you will live in His presence forever.
I love and miss you.

SIMPLE TRUTH

On the other side of death is the real side of life.
April 15, 2015
April 15, 2015
Always remembered. Thank you for your sacrifice for all of us.
November 15, 2014
November 15, 2014
We celebrate your life today and thank God for sending you into our lives. When He created you and knit you together in your mothers womb He blessed so many people and changed so many lives. Your mission was powerfully completed. You have left an indelible mark and you are incredibly missed. Again I am thankful so very thankful for the gift of your life. I love you deeply, dearest Joseph.
November 15, 2014
November 15, 2014
We celebrate your life today and thank God for sending you into our lives. When He created you and knit you together in your mothers womb He blessed so many people and changed so many lives. Your mission was powerfully completed. You have left an indelible mark and you are incredibly missed. Again I am thankful so very thankful for the gift of your life. I love you deeply, dearest Joseph.
April 16, 2014
April 16, 2014
You are heavy in my thoughts and my heart today, Joseph. You are missed daily, and never forgotten.
November 15, 2013
November 15, 2013
Happy Birthday Joseph, always in my prayers.
April 19, 2013
April 19, 2013
I am sorry I missed Joe's angel day but your family was in my prayers.
He is our Hero and we will never forget him.  God Bless
April 16, 2013
April 16, 2013
Joseph you are loved missed and thought of often. Mom
February 10, 2013
February 10, 2013
cant believe how long it has been..............we love you joe.
November 15, 2012
November 15, 2012
Not a day passes that memories of you don't cross my mind. You are loved and missed by all who's lives you touched. Happy birthday, sweet Joseph...we miss you.
November 15, 2012
November 15, 2012
You are always in my prayers, Happy Birthday to a great Soldier Angel
April 17, 2012
April 17, 2012
"Joe, thinking of you and your family. All of you are in my prayers everyday."
April 16, 2012
April 16, 2012
Specialist Cemper, it is a honor to have served with you. I just wish I would have had the time to have gotten to know you better. The only thing I can do is thank you and your family for your sacrifice. You and your family gave everything to keep me safe when I was in Afghanistan and words cannot do justice for my many thanks. You will be missed always brother but never forgotten! RIP
April 16, 2012
April 16, 2012
Love to you Joseph, missing you today and everyday.
January 5, 2012
January 5, 2012
Thank you so very much, Joseph. The gratitude I feel for what you did for this country is overwhelming and eternal.
December 3, 2011
December 3, 2011
iwish i got to know u but the time has gone by to fast u are always in my prayers
November 28, 2011
November 28, 2011
SPC Cemper, you are a true hero. You are missed every day. You will be in the prayers of me and my family.
November 25, 2011
November 25, 2011
Cemper you are truely missed!! I look at Liam and i see you. Brandon misses you alot and still cant belive that he lost his best army buddy. Before me and Abbie came yall were always together lol Just know that you will always hold a place in our hearts even Miss Kayleigh's. We love you and Miss you so much.
November 23, 2011
November 23, 2011
I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living
My baby you'll be
Ma Loves You!
November 23, 2011
November 23, 2011
Joe, You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget you or the sacrifice that you made. Miss you now and always. Gene and Debbie

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Recent Tributes
April 16
April 16
Dearest Joseph,
Thirteen years ago today you took your step into eternity with Jesus. For us, your family, it felt like the end; but for you, your start of Forever - what you were created for.

While we mourn your end with us, we know your journey has taken you into the presence of God and one day we too will take this step into eternity and be with you, again!

Letting go of you is a daily struggle, your memory lives on and your absence is painful. Therefore, we cherish the memories and photos we have of you and our hearts rejoice that we had you for 21 short years here on earth. We are looking forward to eternity with you and seeing your amazing smile.

Dearest Joseph, until we meet again, know you are loved and remembered!

Love you Joseph,
Mom
November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023
Dearest Joseph, Today I remember your birthday and the privilege I had to welcome you into this world with your Mom & Dad. 

I celebrate the gift you were to our family and the special memories we have with you.

You are loved and remembered with deep affection. I look forward to our blessed reunion!
Love you. Joseph! ❤️
Mom
November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
Dearest Joseph,
Today is your 33rd birthday, a day to celebrate you! You are loved and missed and never forgotten. You brought so much joy into my life and I cherish the memories we had together. I share your story and your winsome ways often. I recall the Little League baseball championship in MI and how you cheered your team on. It was late, the day was long and everyone was tired and ready to quit. When your voice rang out "We can do it", over and over until you had the team chanting as well.  Oh how you are missed. I love you sweet Joseph.   Mom
Recent stories
April 16, 2023
Joseph, twelve years ago you took your flight to eternity, twelve years we have missed you and have never forgotten you!

We are thankful for the twenty one years we had with you and the memories that sustain us. You are loved and remembered!

 I love you, dear Joseph.
Mom

Joseph, missing you on your 32nd birthday. Love you! Mom

November 15, 2021

Dearest Joseph,

Another birthday without you. Words cannot capture my sadness or express how much you are missed. While you are gone from us, your memory is alive. I remember 29 years ago today standing  in the delivery room at the hospital, I had the distinct privilege of seeing you emerge from your mothers womb and into the hands of the doctor, hearing your first cry and watching you burst into the world! From the first moment of your being you were strong and eager to make things happen, and that’s what you did in the few short years you had with us. 

From the beginning I knew you were a gift to all of us, from God, a precious gift. You shared with me before you deployed that you were ready if God chose to take you back. I wasn’t ready, none of us were. 

I take great comfort in know that when evil exploded in the form of a sucide bomber Jesus Christ was on a rescue mission and you were the target of his mission. The bomb exploded and you were  immediately in his presence. Your eternity secured, evil defeated, mission accomplished. 

I often wonder if you and Jesus go fishing together. Somehow I think that’s happening. I can see your big smile and hear your laughter as you reel in your catch.

I’m thankful our separation is temporary. Until we meet again, dear Joseph you are loved.

Mom

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