It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Justin Kemerling, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and cherished friend; September 6, 1979 - July 26, 2024.

A leading voice in Nebraska, Justin was an exceptional creative talent, known for his ability to connect people. His work in art, design, strategy, activism, and entrepreneurship spanned the country but was largely “very much Midwest.” He was, in his own words, “focused on making it beautiful, moving people to action, and getting good things done.” Throughout it all existed a singular clarity of vision: to inspire and motivate.

He fought passionately for the causes closest to his heart—social and political activism, community-building, citizenship, mentorship, and environmental justice. Justin’s work has been exhibited in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and regularly in Omaha. His poster design has been published in several design books including Design for Obama, 100 Days of Active Resistance, and Green Patriot Posters, which is now part of the permanent collection at the RISD Museum in Rhode Island. His projects have been featured by HOW Magazine, Communication Arts, Design Observer, and Behance. He has also won numerous statewide design awards over his 19-year career including several judge’s citations for branding and poster design.

Justin was hardworking and selfless and gave freely of his time and talent to his friends (of which there were many). He was known for his generosity both in gifts and of spirit—often sending care packages of T-shirts, buttons, stickers, posters, and books across the country for no reason other than his knowledge that the recipient would appreciate it.

Justin met Katie, his wife of 17 years, at Swanson Russell, an advertising agency in Lincoln, NE. An account executive and a graphic designer, they were a textbook example of ‘opposites attract’. Justin and Katie lived a life full of adventure—traveling the world, dining at the best restaurants, and being the life of THEIR own party. Two creative and passionate people, they made their best creation in 2019, when their daughter Lenora (Leni) was born—50% Katie, 50% Justin, 100% Leni.

Justin and Lenora would pass the time in every way imaginable. Exploring the fine city of Omaha was their favorite—the slides at Gene Leahey Mall, walks and bike rides in their neighborhood, filling out their NCAA tournament brackets, and their absolute favorite, sitting in the basement building legos and listening to records together. Lenora has followed in her father’s footsteps and developed a love of the arts, especially painting. The two spent countless hours together creating masterpieces, turning their home into their own personal art-studio. His joy and pride in being a dad was evident as he took every opportunity to show off Lenora’s knack for art and painting.

Justin touched the lives of many with his generosity and sense of equality for all he met, his ability to inspire will be remembered and cherished.

Justin is survived by his wife, Katie, daughter Lenora; his parents, Danny and Salli Kemerling; his brother, Zack Kemerling, and wife, Amy, and their children, Jackson, Brody, Simon and Koko; and numerous extended family members and dear friends.