Louis A. Kamps

Louis Albert Ernest Kamps died on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Brown Wilcox Assisted Living in Berlin, WI. Louis was born on February 26, 1926, the son of Louis and Elsie Kamps in the Town of Pound, WI. He was the oldest of thirteen. He was baptized on March 14, 1926 and confirmed on June 16, 1940 at St. John Lutheran Church in the Town of Grover. He graduated the eighth grade and decided to work full time on his parent’s farm in the Town of Pound, WI. Louis was drafted to serve his country during the Second World War, however the government decided he was needed more on the family farm to keep it running. Later he was again drafted this to serve in the Korean War. He enlisted September 28, 1950 in the United States Army and served his country proudly for two years. His unit called him “the old man”. Also serving at the same time was Louis’s brother, Verlin and the pair were able to see each other a few times in Soul. After the War, Louis came back and eventually purchased the family farm from his parents. Louis married Dorothy Agnes Fiss of Marinette on June 13, 1953 at First Trinity Lutheran Church of Marinette. They both met in 1949 at Schneider’s Grove, now known as Equity Park on Hwy 64 in the Town of Pound. They decided to wait until Louis returned from the war to get married. Louis contracted malaria in Korea which effected his lungs and chose to sell the farm to his brother Harvey. He became a logger and truck driver and later decided to move to Milwaukee with their children Karen and Keith who were both born in Marinette. In Milwaukee, Louis’s brother Verlin Kamps got him a job with American Motors Car Company and that is when another son, Kent was born. Louis did not like the factory work so his brother Raymond connected him with Northwestern Mutual Insurance where he also worked. After many discussions, Louis decided to become an agent for the Insurer and work out of his new home in Berlin, WI. Louis and Dorothy moved to Berlin in 1962. Here they had twin sons, Kory and Kurt, whom Kurt died at birth. Louis became a well-respected figure in the local community selling insurance for Northwestern Mutual and serving on many boards and commissions. He served as a Board of Director for the Berlin Memorial Hospital, proud member of Berlin Rotary International, where he learned how to play cribbage and won many championships. He was a faithful member of Grace English Lutheran Church and later St. John Lutheran Church of Berlin. Louis earned his GED and later graduated on October 16, 1979 from the American College and became a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). Louis enjoyed a good game of cards especially cribbage. He enjoyed playing with anyone and if you did not know how to play he would gladly teach you. Although during his last days it was hard for him to shuffle or peg, his mind could still count and always looking for another “29” hand. Thanks to everyone who helped take care of and played cribbage with “Louis the Great!” Louis also enjoyed hunting and fishing and having fun. His children are grateful for him choosing the perfect mother Dorothy, who taught them everything they needed to know and to enjoy this life on earth and to know Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who has a place for all of us in Heaven. By his grace alone and nothing we accomplished. Louis is survived by his children, Karen Schurk, Kent Kamps, Kory Kamps; grandchildren, Sherry (Matt) Gonwa, Michael (Katie) Schurk; great grandchildren, Aiden and Merrick Gonwa, Brody Schurk; brothers and sisters, Gerald (Sally) Kamps, Rolland (Sue) Kamps, Elsie (Hugo) Sandelin, Hilbert (Janice) Kamps, Ruth List, Rita (Eddie) Van Sliedricht,; brother in law, Harold Fiss; sister in laws, Lorraine Kamps, Joan Kamps, Sharon Kamps, Rosemarie Kamps; nieces, nephews and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elsie Kamps; his beloved wife, Dorothy Kamps on February 20, 2014, son, Keith on November 25, 2014, and son Kurt on May 16, 1966; brothers, Raymond Kamps, Leland Kamps, Verlin Kamps, Harvey Kamps, Harold T. Kamps; sister, Irene Huetner, brother and sister in laws, John and Arlene Hartwig, Richard List, Beverly Kamps and Marlean Kamps.

Louis A. Kamps

February 26, 1926 - February 21, 2018