Denise Handorf Kemp

CONRAD - Denise Handorf Kemp, 52, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior on January 3, 2026 after a courageous battle with appendix cancer.

She was surrounded by her family and was at peace as she passed.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church in Conrad. Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Conrad. A luncheon will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Cemetery in rural Gladbrook. The family requests no flowers (even though Denise loved them). Memorials may be directed to the family as plans are being made to establish a scholarship for females entering production agriculture. Anderson Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Born on Sept. 29, 1973 in Marshalltown, Denise lived a life full of love, faith, devotion and kindness. She attended Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School followed by Iowa State University, after which Denise worked in newspaper advertising and marketing, in both Twin Cities and Marshalltown, before fulfilling her dream of joining the family farm operation. She was privileged to work alongside her father, brother and other family, to faithfully steward the land while growing the family farm operation.

Faith, family and community were an integral part of Denise’s life as she was involved in many church, school and community organizations, committees and boards. Above all, Denise will be remembered for her unshakable faith, love for her family, and competitive spirit.

Denise is survived by her husband of 24 years, Matthew, and her children, Carter and Abigail, her parents Lynn and Claire Handorf, her brothers Tim (Danae) and Tom (Mary) Handorf, Father-in-law Ron Kemp. Sister-in-law Sarah (Dennis) Boleyn, brothers-in-law Andrew Kemp and Christopher (Kristin) Kemp, nieces and nephews, cousins who are like siblings, aunts, uncles. friends and colleagues.