Guy Hartley Hempey

Guy Hartley Hempey, born on September 26, 1936, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the age of 87. The Celebration of Life Service will be at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel with a reception and fellowship to follow. Visitation, with the family present, will be one hour prior to services on Tuesday. Friends and family attending are encouraged to wear camo in his honor. Interment will be at a later date in Graceland Park Cemetery. Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel is assisting family with arrangements.

 Guy was a man of many talents and passions, leaving behind a legacy that spans a lifetime of dedication to his family, community, and the great outdoors.

He married his high school sweetheart, Patsy Kenderdine, in 1957, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage until her passing in 2014. Together, they raised two children, Jo Dee Weltz (Mike) of South Sioux City, NE and Jason Hempey (Christi) of Sioux City, IA, who survive him.

 At the age of 19, Guy served his country proudly as a Navy Seabee, marking the beginning of a life characterized by hard work and service. He went on to build a distinguished 38-year career with the U.S. Government Soil Conservation Service, retiring in 1994. However, retirement did not slow him down. He embarked on a second career as the "Mole Man," a nickname that captured his persistent and industrious spirit trapping thousands of moles. Guy was an avid hunter and fisherman, pursuits that led him to become a measurer for the Pope and Young Club for 50 years and the Boone and Crockett Club for 27 years. His love for archery and the outdoors was also evident in his co-founding of the Cha Hee Tah Bowhunter Club in the 1970s, a community that continues their friendships today. Even in his later years, Guy's inventive mind never rested. At the age of 85, one of his bow-straightening inventions was featured in Traditional Bowhunter magazine, a testament to his lifelong ingenuity and passion for innovation. 

Guy Hartley Hempey lived a life full of love, service, and adventure. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on in the memories of his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched.

Guy is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Mike Weltz, Josh Weltz, Braden Hempey, and Brylee Hempey; sisters, Luella Pedersen (Ralph) and Debbie Hunter (Dale), and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Hempey, and his parents, Ralph Hempey, Hazel Naughton, and Jim "JP" Naughton.

The family would like to extend a special gratitude to the Westwood Specialty Care team and the Care Initiative Hospice team for all their support in his final months.