Richard John Kamps

Richard John Kamps (Dick), age 89, died peacefully at St. Paul’s Elder Services in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, on Saturday, March 12, 2023. He was born on July 12, 1933, in Kimberly, Wisconsin, son of John and Josephine (Maas) Kamps. Raised in Kimberly, he first attended Salvatorian Seminary in St. Nazianz for two years and later graduated after two years at St. John’s High School in Little Chute. He is a graduate of Lawrence College and Marquette Law School. He served as a Lieutenant in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Hollister. He married his wife of 62 years, Gretchen (Hermsen) Kamps, on September 3, 1960. They started their family in Milwaukee, where they lived for a few years before moving to Marshfield to raise six children in a loving home. They lived in Marshfield until their move to St. Paul’s Elder Services in 2018.

Dick devoted his life and career to the service of others. As a Trust Officer at Citizen’s Bank and Trust (later Associated Bank), he spent decades helping people in the community build financial security. He volunteered countless hours in service to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Diocese of La Crosse, and the Knights of Columbus. A few of his great joys in life were traveling with Gretchen, walking, and creating art. He specialized in intaglio printing and pastel drawing.

Love of Jesus and love of family were central throughout Dick’s life. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen; his children Steven (Tammy) Kamps, Phillip (Ann) Kamps, Douglas (Suellyn) Kamps, Lorraine (Jim) Miron, Anthony (Nikki) Kamps, and Monica (Brad) Lobenstein; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister-in-law Bonnie Kamps and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings John (Marie) Kamps, Bob Kamps, and Rosie (Dick) Borree.

A visitation and funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 25 in the chapel at St. Paul’s Elder Services in Kaukauna, WI. Visitation 10:00 a.m. Funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

The funeral will be livestreamed on the Verkuilen Van Deurzen Funeral Home Facebook page.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.