John Hempel, 64, Hastings resident for the past 43 years, was found dead in the basement of his home Sunday evening. According to officers investigating the case, Hempel had hanged himself. The body was found by his daughter, Miss Emma Hempel, when she returned from dinner with friends. Miss Hempel made her home with her father. Hempel, who had been a brick worker and contractor, had been in poor health for several weeks. His wife died last March.

Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon. He is survived by two sons: John of Hastings, and A. S. of Anderson, Mo. And two daughters, Mrs. Jacob Hoffman and Miss Emma, both of Hastings.

Mr. Hempel will be remembered by many Farnam people as he had the contract for the building of the old grade school building which burned in 1930.

The Farnam Echo 55(19):1, Thursday, 16 January 1936