Kevin G. Kampwerth, age 64, of Carlyle, Illinois passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
He was born on June 18, 1960, in Breese, Illinois to Roland and Rose Mary Kampwerth. Kevin was most proud of his beloved wife, daughter and son-in-law. He dedicated his life to their happiness, and he succeeded in every way possible. Kevin married LuAlice Holland, the love of his life, on September 17, 1983. Their daughter, Whitney Holland Kampwerth, was born on April 4, 1989, and she married John Luebbers on June 7, 2014.
Kevin had a deep passion for agriculture and took great pleasure in his days working on the farm. He was a lifelong tractor puller and loved restoring the antique tractors in his collection. His most recent pull with “Ole Heavy,†crowned him one of Clinton County Farm Bureau’s “Kings of Clinton County.â€
When he had a little extra time, he enjoyed playing black jack. Win or lose, he would have the whole table giggling. He enjoyed experiencing new things with his family, traveling to many different places all over the world. Those memories will be some of the greatest gifts he has ever given his wife, daughter and son-in-law. He found a new love in his four chickens – excitedly saying how many eggs they would lay each morning, sending funny chicken videos and adding chicken jokes to his collection of tales that were sure to make you laugh.
He was the first official employee of Huels Oil Company and worked proudly for 43 years. He was there for it all and was considered part of the Huels family. He was a past Chairman of the Clinton County Electric Cooperative Board and served the membership as a trustee for 26 years. He was appointed to the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives Board of Directors where he was recently elected treasurer. Kevin was a member of the Clinton County Fair Board for 29 years and was elected President in 2005 and 2017. The Fair is better because he served. He was a lifelong Knights of Columbus member, working many bingo nights and scrambling thousands of eggs for Sunday breakfast. Kevin was the embodiment of hard-work, dedication and generosity. He was a fierce defender of those he loved. He helped countless people throughout his life in ways big and small, without any expectation of recognition or praise. Random acts of kindness weren’t random for Kevin, they were routine. It remains a true mystery how his big heart fit into his chest. To know Kevin was to love Kevin, and he will be deeply missed. There are some who bring a light so bright to their community that even after they are gone, the light remains. We will never be the same as we were before the loss of Kevin, an incredible husband, father, friend and human. But we are all ever so much better for having had someone so great to lose.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Mary Kampwerth; his in-laws, Harvey and Mabel Holland; and a brother-in-law, Charles Holland. He is survived by his treasured wife, LuAlice Kampwerth, cherished daughter, Whitney Kampwerth Luebbers and his “favorite son-in-law†and best friend, John Luebbers. He is also survived by his father, Roland Kampwerth, his sister Donna (Kenny) Henrichs, his brothers, Mark (Joyce) Kampwerth, Dale (Cindy) Kampwerth, Roland Kampwerth, Jr., Dean (Lisa) Kampwerth; his in-laws, Harvey and Janet Holland, Mark and Jean Holland, and Marsha Holland; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family. As Kevin’s uncle Gerald would say, “There are so many Kampwerths, you can’t spray for them.â€
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1171 Jefferson St. in Carlyle with Fr. George Mauck and Fr. Jose Jacob, officiating. Following the funeral Mass, a luncheon will be served at St. Mary's Parish Center. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton St. in Carlyle, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 3:00 - 8:00 PM and on Thursday, October 10 from 8:00 - 10:30 AM.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Kampwerth are suggested to the Clinton County Fair Association and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home.
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