Carol Jean Kemni

Carol Jean Kemnitzer, 77, of Cuba, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Carol was born on January 7, 1949, in St. Louis, Missouri, the second child of the late Henry and Mary Katherine (Richardson) Kemnitzer. Carol and her three siblings grew up on the family farm near Steelville, Missouri, situated along the Meramec river. While farm life meant there was always work to be done, it also gave Carol and her siblings the freedom to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. They had plenty of acres to run and play, and the river was a favorite place to explore and make memories. The simple joys of growing up together on the farm became treasured memories that Carol carried with her throughout her life. As a young woman, Carol moved to the city in search of a good job. She was a quick typist and talented stenographer, skills that opened the door to many excellent administrative positions. During her career, Carol worked for the Rolla Assessors Office, Amoco Oil in Chicago, and Monsanto in St. Louis, Missouri. She was a hardworking and capable woman who took pride in the work she did. Carol was the proud and loving mother of two children, Denise McRaven and Thomas McRaven. She was a wonderful mother who loved her children deeply and cherished her family. Carol was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for those she loved. She also enjoyed sewing and, perhaps most of all, spending time with her family, “cutting up,” joking, and making everyone laugh. Her wonderful sense of humor and playful personality brought joy to those around her. Carol was also crowned the Queen of the first Fall Festival in Steelville, Missouri, a special honor that reflected her connection to her hometown and the rural community she loved. Carol was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Steelville for many years, remaining an active member until her health no longer permitted her to attend. Her faith in the Lord Jesus was an important part of her life. Carol is survived by her beloved children, Denise McRaven of Festus, Missouri, and Thomas McRaven of Desloge, Missouri; two grandsons whom she adored, Jake McRaven and Michael McRaven; her siblings, Elaine Bausell and husband Richard of Steelville, Missouri, Henry Kemnitzer and wife Deborah of St. James, Missouri, and Micheal Kemnitzer and wife Vickie of Branson, Missouri; her uncle, Roy Richardson and wife Penny of St. James, Missouri; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. May Carol's memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Katherine (Richardson) Kemnitzer; maternal grandparents, Roy and Essie Richardson; paternal grandparents, Henry and Nettie Kemnitzer. Carol will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted grandmother, cherished sister, talented homemaker, hardworking woman and dedicated Christian , and friend to many. Her laughter, humor, kindness, and love for her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, from carefree days on the family farm to the many moments she shared around the kitchen table with family and friends. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Funeral services for Carol Jean Kemnitzer will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. James Chapel of James & Gahr Mortuary, with Pastor Jerry Beers officiating. Special music will be provided by Laura Lee Bausell and Eric Bausell.Visitation will be held at the chapel prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow at the St. James Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas McRaven, Wes McRaven, Eric Bausell, Bryan Kemnitzer, Nathan Kemnitzer, and Russ Richardson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Kyle Huddleston, Chance Peebles, T.J. Webb, Mark Olson, Don Mueller and Greg Schrandt.

Carol Jean Kemni

January 7, 1949 - August 29, 2026

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Carol Jean Kemni

January 7, 1949 - August 29, 2026

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information