Dick Kempthorn

Athletic career

Kempthorn played for the University of Michigan during a successful post‑war period in college football. He was part of the Wolverines squads that finished the 1947 and 1948 seasons undefeated and were recognized as national champions. In 1949 he was selected as his team's Most Valuable Player, reflecting his importance to teammates and coaches during that season.

Characteristics and role

Contemporary accounts describe Kempthorn as a steady and dependable performer who contributed on both offense and defense at a time when players commonly played multiple roles. He was valued for physical toughness, situational awareness, and consistency—qualities that helped Michigan maintain high standards across several seasons.

Business and later life

After his college athletic career, Kempthorn returned to his hometown region and pursued business interests. He remained connected to his community in Canton and kept ties to the university and football circles through alumni events and local engagements. Kempthorn died in Canton on February 8, 2019, at the age of 92.

Notable facts

• Born October 23, 1926, in Canton, Ohio.
• Member of Michigan teams that went undefeated in 1947 and 1948.
• Named Most Valuable Player for Michigan's 1949 football team.
• Later pursued a business career in his hometown and remained a figure of local interest until his death in 2019.

Kempthorn's career illustrates the profile of a mid‑20th century student‑athlete who combined success on the field with a post‑college professional life in business, leaving a lasting local legacy while remaining part of Michigan's storied football history.