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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
Dearest Joseph think of you often ! Thankful for sweet memories and the gift you are to our family. Miss you.
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.
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
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.
concern always bring a smile followed by a tear. I miss you and love you deeply.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
He is our Hero and we will never forget him. God Bless
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.
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
Thank you so very much, Joseph. The gratitude I feel for what you did for this country is overwhelming and eternal.
SPC Cemper, you are a true hero. You are missed every day. You will be in the prayers of me and my family.
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.
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Recent Tributes
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
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
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.
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.
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Happy 32nd Birthday Joseph. You are loved and missed. Love Mom
Always looking over the team
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Cemper, Joseph Inset
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Joseph, missing you on your 32nd birthday. Love you! Mom
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