Daniel L. “Dan” Kampwerth, 63, of Highland, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, at HSHS St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, due to complications of COVID-19.
Funeral services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future when it is safe to gather and remember a wonderful man who knew how to have a good time. Meridith Funeral Home in Highland is assisting the family.
Mr. Kampwerth was born on Nov. 8, 1956, in Highland, to Jerome and Irma (Kombrink) Kampwerth. He married Tami L. Wise on Sept. 29, 1979, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, and she survives.
Employed by the Alton Box Board Company, he stayed on with the business through many changes, ending his career after 44 years as a Westrock employee.
He was a beloved coach for his children’s ball teams. His three granddaughters were the apple of his eye. As a grandpa, or “Grumpa”, he spent time with endless swing rides and was teaching the girls to love golf as much as he did.
He was a member of the Weinheimer Holy Dribblers Society Sunday morning basketball league and an avid fan of Mizzou college basketball and football. His true passion was the golf course, and he was proud of landing two holes-in-one. He was a member of Twin Oaks Golf Club and he played in several leagues with a wide variety of friends. He never met a stranger, and enjoyed raising a glass with a friend, playing euchre, and consistently being the last man to leave the party on every occasion. He and his wife were proud of the life they made together through mutual sacrifice and love for each other and their family. They retired in 2019 to live the dream of travel, golf and relaxation. His dream was tragically cut short by a virus that knows no mercy when it strikes.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Nathan D. (Lori Schrumpf) Kampwerth and Samantha J. (Noah) Haukap, both of Highland; three granddaughters, Ellie Rose Kampwerth, Nora Laine Kampwerth and Olivia Ann Haukap; and a fourth granddaughter on the way in early November; his brother, Roger A. (Tina) Kampwerth of Marine; sister, Lori (Kevin) Suess of Edwardsville; sister-in-law, Kathy Kampwerth of Richmond TX; brothers-in-law, Marc (Arlene) Wise of Oakley, CA, John B. Wise of Highland; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by mother-in-law and father-in-law, L. John and Shirley Wise; and brother, Larry P. Kampwerth.
Memorials may be directed to Highland Area Christian Service Mission-Food Pantry or Coping 4 Life, 900 N. Walnut, Breese, IL, www.coping4life.com/.
Online condolences may be left at meridithfuneralhome.com.
