Michael Kemna

Michael Kemna, 65, of Gallatin, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on April 16th, 2020 after a whirlwind battle with lung cancer.

Mike was born on November 15th, 1954 to Emil and Blanche Kemna in Jefferson City, MO. After graduating from Helias Catholic High School in 1973, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Central Missouri State University, aka “the Harvard of the Midwest.”

After graduation, Mike followed his passion for serving others to begin what would become an illustrious 33 year career with the Missouri Department of Corrections. Starting as a Probation and Parole Officer in 1978, he held positions as Corrections Caseworker and Functional Unit Manager at the Algoa Correctional Center, Associate Superintendent for the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center, Superintendent of the Western Missouri Correctional Center (WMCC), Superintendent of the Crossroads Correctional Center (CRCC), Deputy Division Director in the Division of Adult Institutions Central Office and Warden for the Chillicothe Correctional Center. Along this journey, Mike supervised the openings of both WMCC and CRCC, oversaw the increase of beds at WMCC by 850, participated in the National Institute of Corrections and chaired the Missouri delegation that revised the adult internal classification system. His career and the contributions he made to staff, offenders, and to the citizens of Missouri was exemplary and few people have equaled all that he gave of himself to the profession. He retired in 2011 after 33 years of loyal and dedicated service to the State of Missouri.

While his career achievements were vast, anyone that knew Mike knew that his family meant more to him than anything in the world. Mike married Mary Jane Maddox in 1979 and was happily married for over 40 years. Mike had four children; Brandon (Jennifer), Nathan (Liza), Joseph (Julie) and Stephanie (Brian), as well as five grandchildren; Keagan, Morgan, Lincoln, Truman and Quinn. He was an extremely loving and supporting father and grandfather who loved nothing more than having his whole family together, especially during Thanksgiving, his favorite holiday.

Mike enjoyed life at Lake Viking where he purchased a waterfront lot in 1989, added a small family vacation home and eventually built a beautiful forever home where he and Mary Jane lived full-time since 2003. He loved entertaining family and friends at the lake, where there was always an open invitation for anyone at anytime. Mike was passionate about woodworking, making countless pieces of furniture at his shop for family and friends, who will forever cherish these beautiful works of art. Mike was also an avid sports fan, particularly of the Kansas City Chiefs; he was a former season ticket holder and more recently could be found watching all games at his son Joe’s restaurant Konrad’s. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii to escape the Midwest winter every February.

He was preceded in death by his father Emil, his mother Blanche and his brother Bernie. He is survived by his wife Mary Jane, his sister Mary Beth and children Brandon, Nate, Joe and Steph. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced once the family has determined a date after COVID-19 concerns have subsided. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Mike to Boys Hope Girls Hope of Kansas City (link below). Additional information about the celebration will be posted here when it is available.

The Kemna family welcomes any and all stories, photos, memories and condolences to be shared here.