Alvin B. Kamke

Alvin Bernard Kamke, age 84, passed away peacefully from the loving arms of his beloved family at his side into the waiting arms of Jesus Christ on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.  

Alvin (Al) was born in Tustin, WI on July 22, 1940 to the late Elsford and Cecilia (Manlick) Kamke.  Al married the love of his life, Virginia (Miller) Kamke on June 12, 1965 and recently celebrated their 60th anniversary with family. 

Al had numerous careers in the farming and construction industry until he found his favorite job as street sweeper for the City of Kaukauna where he celebrated 30 years. He was very fond of food & coffee and enjoyed going out to eat with family.  He took pride in all of the work he did to their home of 58 years.  Al also enjoyed going to church picnics/parades, listening to Johnny Cash and his favorite polka band Jerry Voelker.

Al had a very special gift of always welcoming others and putting them at ease thanks to his very contagious smile, his wonderful sense of humor and his kind heart.  He truly valued his family and friends and lent a hand whenever possible.  Al would “light-up” the room wherever he was!

Later on in years, Al & Virginia enjoyed trips to the casino, eating out, feeding their great grandpup Argo lots of treats and spending time with family celebrating many birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

Al is survived by his wife, Virginia Kamke; daughter, Susan (Bryan) Uitenbroek; grandchildren: Amber and Kyle Uitenbroek; great grandpup, Argo; brothers: Darwin (Alice) Kamke, Allen Kamke; sisters-in-laws: Shirley Baeten, Mary Jane Miller; and numerous other family and friends. He was further preceded in death by his siblings: Raymond (Mardelle) Kamke, Geraldine (Alden) Moeller; and brothers/sisters in-laws: Edward Baeten, Excelda (Donald) Pieschek, and Joseph Miller.

Al met every challenge in life with strength, courage and optimism.  Al has touched so many lives and he will be greatly missed by all!  He will forever live on in the hearts and memories of his family and friends.

The family is very grateful and wishes to thank the staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton and Neenah; St. Paul Elder Services-Kaukauna; Hematology/Oncology-Appleton; Heart and Vascular Institute-Appleton; ThedaCare at Home and Senior Stride-Oshkosh.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in his name.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna with Fr. Luke Ferris officiating.  Visitation will take place at the church from 11:00 am until the time of mass.  Alvin will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery.