Barbara F. Kampen

January 11, 1928 - July 24, 2020

service

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Wednesday 7/29

Private Service

Barbara F. Kampen, 92, a loving and faithful wife, mother and servant of God, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at her home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born January 11, 1928, in Kalamzoo, MI, to the late Frank and Dorthea (VanElk) Spitters. Her faith and family were the two most important things in her life. Barbara graduated from Kalamazoo High School and was the State Badminton Champion in 1943. She was blessed with a beautiful voice and sang in opera’s, musicals and weddings. In 1948 she married Emerson Kampen in Kalamazoo, MI and he preceded her in death in 1995.

She was a member of Covenant Church where she sang in the choir. She was also a member of Garden Club, PEO and Current Topic Club. Barbara served on the board of Prophetstown State Park. She was an avid Purdue sports fan and attended most of the football and basketball games. Barbara enjoyed knitting, golfing and bowling. She loved her family and could be heard cheering on her children and grandchildren at all their sporting events.

Surviving are her children Douglas Kampen of Baton Rouge, LA, (daughter Kerrie Kampen), Joanie Dunham of Swedesboro, NJ, (daughter Carol (Luke) Ackerman, son Ben Dunham), Laura (Jeff) Shiver of West Lafayette, (daughters Brittany, Paige and Nicole, son John (Lindsey) Shiver), Emerson Kampen II (deceased) daughter-in-law Debi Kampen (Denny)Bigler of Yorktown, (sons Brent (Betsy) Bigler, Evan, Emerson III (Kylie) and Elliott Kampen), Debbie (Steve) Smith of Chesapeake, VA, (sons Ryan (Katherine), Brandon (Gretchen) and Brett Smith, daughter Amanda Smith), Cindy (David) Van Zelst of Glenview, IL, (daughters Christina, Danielle and Olivia Van Zelst, son Nate Van Zelst), Pam (Dan) Mayes of Beavercreek, OH, (sons Matthew, Thomas and Zachary Mayes, daughter Brooke Mayes), great grandchildren Nora, Piper and Kate Bigler, Emerson IV (deceased), Kallen, Kole and Klay Kampen, Ellie Kate, Johanna and baby Smith). Also surviving are her brothers Frank (Nancy) Spitters of Plainwell, MI, Don (Linda) Spitters of Murfreesboro, TN and a brother-in-law David VanDam. Barbara was preceded in death by her son Emerson Kampen II, great grandson Emerson Kampen IV, siblings Joan White, Mary Lou Van Dam and James Spitters. A private family service will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, Pastor Rob Eyman officiating. Entombment will be at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Camp Tecumseh Children’s Camp Fund, (https://camptecumseh.givingfuel.com/crowd/hbdcamptecumseh/fundraiser/656), Muscular Dystrophy Foundation (https://mda.donordrive.com/campaign/BarbaraKampen) and Alzheimer’s Association (http://act.alz.org/goto/barbarakampen).

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Brenda Mundell

Pam Mayes

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Location Not Available

Wednesday 7/29

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Dear Kampen family, Your mother and father were a special couple and it was our privilege to share in your father's medical care and to know them both as friends. We cherish their memories and their place in our hearts and in this community will never be forgotten. We were sad to learn of Barbara's passing, yet we feel a peace and joy knowing she is home with the Lord and with her beloved husband. May God bless you all and hold you in His care. Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kuipers

Laura, I was so sad to read about the passing of your mother. You were such a blessing to her, making these last years for her as happy and comfortable as possible. She was able to enjoy and do many things because of you. The loss of our mothers is so hard, changes us forever. Find peace knowing you did your best! Love, Brenda

Mom and Zach
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In memory of Barbara F. Kampen, Pam Mayes lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are so sorry to learn that Mrs. Kampen has passed. She was a lovely person and we will always remember seeing her in those fast cars that she favored. Our deepest sympathy to Laura, Jeff, and the whole family.

We are so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful woman. We remember her dancing at Ryan's wedding and having so much fun. We will keep your family in our prayers.

I remember Barbara with love and great appreciation. We worked together in leadership of Covenant Womens' Ministries in the 1980's. She very graciously opened both the family home in West Lafayette and their cottage in Monticello for board meetings and retreats...and even provided yummy deserts. She was an enthusiastic member of the great, but not-so-famous Women's Ministries singing group, "The Cov-e-notes." Blessings and condolences to the family. Anella McFee

A wonderful women who raised a tremendous family. She was always concerned about those around her and their welfare before her own. Her family lost a great person.

Love you forever and ever Mom.

Well done, Good and Faithful Servant. To the he family: Prayers and blessings.

Barbara was such a sweet, fun resident at University Place and I was so fortunate to have had the opportunity to know her when I was there.I extend my condolences to Barbara's family. I will never forget her. Rest in Peace, dear Barbara.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.