Conrad Frederick Hempel, 91, drew his last earthly breath in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 20, 2024.

Conrad was born June 26, 1933, to Frederick and Lavelle Hempel. He and his late brother, Larry, were raised in Detroit, Michigan.

As a young man in the early 1950s, Conrad served in the U.S. Coast Guard before studying at the Coast Guard Academy, which opened the door to his professional career in engineering. After the Coast Guard, he graduated from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University), and enjoyed a 30+ year career as a mechanical design engineer at Ford Motor Company. He was awarded multiple patents for innovations he designed and developed at work. His lifelong passion for learning and teaching led him to pursue his Masters in Education at Wayne State University, and to study Theology at Ashland Seminary. After retirement, he shared his knowledge and passion for teaching as a Mathematics professor at William Tyndale College.

Conrad met Luella Hawks, the love of his life, at a collegiate Bible study in the late 1950s. They were married on June 13, 1959 and shared 62 ½ happy, loving, adventurous years together until her passing on February 7, 2022. Over the years Conrad has steadfastly loved, guided and supported his five children, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Anyone who knows Conrad, knows that he cherished his role as a father to many more beyond his own children. He shared his unique brand of love and guidance with children he and Luella unofficially 'adopted', as well as with his dear nieces and nephews and countless others.

Conrad embodied a spirit of love, wisdom, faithfulness and generosity. The way he lived his life was a true blessing to his family, friends, and the community. He was always eager to help and offer support in his uniquely humble and practical ways.

His faith was the foundation of his life, and he joyfully and selflessly followed the example of Jesus. He served as an elder, deacon, treasurer, and teacher at Southfield Community Church for over 6 decades. He also served as a Gideon since the mid-1970s.

Conrad was preceded in death by his eldest son, Frederick, while his influence and memory will continue to guide his remaining children, Marcia Geurink (Scott), Carolyn Schellenberg (Matt), Julie Hempel, and Stephen Hempel (Monali), as well as all of his grandchildren, Alex and Nicole Hempel, Daniel (Anna) Geurink, Melissa (Mike) Fisk, Karissa (Mike) Braden, Temmon and Tessa Schellenberg, and Kavi, Soren and Chaya Shah-Hempel; and great grandchildren, Clark, Ferris and Conrad Geurink, Matthew, Elizabeth and Emery Fisk, and Lyric, Camille, Jiraiya and Amaia Braden.

The Hempel family will receive guests at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, downtown Farmington, on Sunday, July 28, 2pm - 8pm.

Conrad's funeral ceremony is scheduled for Monday, July 29 at 11am (in state 10am) at Forest Park Baptist Church, 26805 Farmington Rd. in Farmington Hills. The livestream of Conrad's funeral is viewable by clicking HERE .

Interment will follow at 3pm at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens in Novi.

The Hempel family extends heartfelt appreciation for all of the support received from dear family and friends in this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Gideons International or Doctors Without Borders .