Elaine Bankers Kempel

Elaine Bankers Kempel, 91, of Fargo North Dakota died September 7, 2014. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

She was born February 28, 1923 in Lisbon North Dakota. She married her wartime sweetheart, Donald Bankers, in 1946 and moved to Fargo to start their life together. They raised four sons in Fargo: Jim, Bob, Kim, and Todd. Donald, her husband of 30 years passed away in 1976.
She married Solomon Kempel of Lisbon in 1984. They shared many mutual friends from the Lisbon area. . They traveled extensively and enjoyed spending time together at the lake. Solly passed away in 1989.

Elaine was raised on a farm near Lisbon at a time when horses were still in use. After spending the war years working in plants in California with her sisters she returned to Fargo and became a beautician.

She and Donald met on a blind date and were married upon his return from service in World War II. They enjoyed their life in Fargo, traveled, and cherished their time with family at the cabin which they built together nearly 60 years ago.

She is survived by her four sons, Jim (Dorothy) Bankers, Bob (Gail) Bankers, Kim Bankers, and Todd Bankers; Her grandchildren, Stacy, Bradley, Sarah, Lyndsey, and Michael; Great-grandchildren Samantha, Lauren, and Cole. And by her brother, Arnold Nelson of Lisbon.

She was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fargo where the funeral will be held.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Red River Valley Hospice.