Molly Kenney Kempf

Molly Kenney Kempf

Cedar Rapids

Mary Ellen "Molly" Kenney Kempf, beloved wife,

mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the age of 70. Born in 1955 in Atlantic, Iowa, she was one of the eight cherished Kenney siblings, growing up in a household filled with laughter, mischief, and a deep love that shaped her generous spirit.

Known to all as Molly, to distinguish her from her mother Mary Ellen, she embodied the warmth that made her a

beacon of light to everyone she encountered. From her early years surrounded by siblings and cousins to her high school days with her devoted “Sunshine Girls” — a friendship circle that remained central to her life — Molly had an extraordinary gift for building and maintaining lasting relationships.

Molly met the love of her life, Ed Kempf in 1979. Molly and Ed were married on a frigid December day in 1980, and in 1982 one of her greatest dreams came true when they welcomed their daughter Sarah, followed by her sweet son Daniel three years later. Together they forged a beautiful partnership that spanned decades. Their early years were filled with adventure and formed the foundation of what would become both a thriving family and a successful business. Some of the fondest memories were made in the Lost Valley neighborhood, where Molly became the center of a true village that nurtured not only her own dearly loved children but countless others who found warmth and welcome in her home.

For more than 40 years, Molly and Ed built Impact Photo into a cornerstone of the Cedar Rapids community. With Ed’s technical artistry behind the lens, and Molly’s talent for working with people and managing the complex logistics of events, their balanced partnership became a driving force behind their business’s growth and success. Molly was proud to welcome Dan into the family business when the time came, as he embodied the natural talents and work ethic established by his parents. Known affectionately as “Mrs. Joe Photo” she was a constant presence at weddings, work events, and charitable gatherings across Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Molly was one of those incredible humans whose joy, curiosity, and kindness stitched together a community - she knew everyone, and more importantly, everyone knew her. Generations of families trusted her to capture their important moments, always with her keen eye for detail and natural ability to put people at ease. She was a super-connector who understood that her work wasn't just about taking pictures: it was about preserving the moments that people would treasure forever. As her beloved cousin Kassy noted, “She made magic happen! Who else can get a photo of 150 Kenneys looking good?” Ed and their son Dan continue to carry the family business today, with values that were at the foundation of everything Molly and Ed built together.

Beyond her professional success, Molly’s gift for bringing people together made her the natural center of her family and her community. The Kempf's comfortable home was a gathering place for countless dinner parties, holiday celebrations, and Sunday dinners. Whether it was her beautiful Thanksgiving spreads, cakes and cookies, hand breaded tenderloins, or weeknight meals, Molly poured love into every dish and passed her passion of cooking for others to her daughter.

Molly joyously welcomed Drew Colony into the family in 2009 with his marriage to Sarah. When granddaughter Audrey arrived in 2014, Molly discovered new depths of happiness in her role as "Nanny." Their special bond included trips to Barnes and Noble, art projects, and countless moments of pure delight that brought out Molly's playful spirit. Molly’s love for children had been a defining characteristic throughout her life. Her natural gift for connecting with babies and children was felt deeply by her nieces and nephews (and their children!), but reached entirely new heights when sweet Audrey arrived.

Over the years, Molly was also a devoted caregiver, tending to her father during his illness and caring for her mother Mary Ellen for many years alongside her siblings. Her strength, grace, and unwavering optimism in the face of challenges, including her own health struggles, inspired all who knew her. She faced adversity with what those closest to her recognized as incredible, quiet strength. She maintained her characteristic warmth and humor even during the most difficult times, making grace seem effortless even when life wasn't.

Molly was, as so many described her, “walking, talking sunshine.” Her radiant smile and bright blue eyes could light up any room, and her genuine interest

in others made everyone feel like the most important person in the world. She remembered details about people’s lives, asked meaningful questions about their families, and had an uncanny ability to make others feel better about themselves simply by being in her presence. As those who knew her best recognized, “Your smile makes others smile and feel seen... your laugh is infectious; how you lead with a kindness that makes others want to follow.” She had the remarkable ability to take ordinary moments and transform them into beautiful memories.

Molly's love of beauty extended beyond her home and impeccable fashion sense to the great outdoors, where she found peace and joy in nature. She walked regularly, moving briskly to get in the miles, while keeping up steady conversations with her sisters and friends. Molly was drawn to the mountains and the sea, and loved spending time in Colorado and the sun-soaked shores of Florida, places where her spirit felt at home. Her appreciation for art, specifically drawing, and creativity, was another defining passion, a talent she lovingly passed down to her daughter Sarah and her granddaughter Audrey.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched: from the individuals whose proudest life moments she captured through her lens, to the neighbors who became lifelong friends, to the children who found a second mother in her caring embrace. Molly understood that life’s greatest meaning is found in relationships and community, and she lived that truth every single day. As her father Tom always said with pride, “Every family needs a Molly” and those fortunate enough to have her in their lives know exactly what he meant.

Mary Ellen “Molly” Kenney Kempf was preceded in death by her loving parents, Mary Ellen and Thomas James Kenney, her beloved brother, Paul Ryan Kenney, and Earl and Elsie Kempf, her dear father and mother-in-law.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Edward Kempf; her children, Sarah Colony (Drew) and Daniel Kempf (Jessica Garner); her cherished granddaughter, Audrey Colony; her loving siblings Captain Patricia Kenney, USN (Ret.) (Christina Joy), Jeanne Brandes (Matthew), Thomas Kenney (Robin), Jack Kenney (Christine), Anne Smart (Jeff), and Eileen Foxhoven (Tony); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will host a Visitation at All Saints Catholic Church, 720 29th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, Saturday, August 30, at 8:00 AM, with a Service to follow at 10:00 AM, followed by a luncheon in the social hall.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who provided care and support during Molly's illness, and to the countless friends who enriched her life with their love and loyalty. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hall Perrine Cancer Center, Aiming for a Cure Foundation, Cedar Rapids Community Health Free Clinic, or the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy — all organizations which Molly has served and been dear to her heart over the years.

Molly's years were filled with purpose, love, and joy and she mastered the art of making others feel valued and loved. Her spirit of warmth and welcome will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. In honor of Molly’s legacy of bringing people together, we encourage acts of kindness: reach out to an old friend, welcome a stranger with a smile, or simply take a moment to listen to someone who needs to be heard and above all, find reasons to smile and laugh! These simple joys will help us keep Molly’s beautiful spirit and gift for connection alive in our community.

Dear Molly, we will always be with you, arms around you, now and forever.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.