John G. Kamps

Kamps, John G. Age 83, of Portage, passed away on Saturday, February 04, 2012, at his home. John was born in Appleton, WI, on June 24, 1928, to John H. and Josephine (nee Maas) Kamps. He attended Holy Name Grade School, Kimberly and St. John's High School, Little Chute, graduating in 1946. He served in the U.S. Navy from June of 1946, to April of 1948. After being discharged, he attended Fond du Lac College, graduating in 1950. He was married on April 21, 1951, to Marie L. Rupiper in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. In June of 1951, John joined Gehl Company of West Bend. He served in numerous capacities over 32 ½ years. In his last four years, he was President and Chief Operating Officer until December of 1983. He was also involved in the establishment and operations of Gehl International and Gehl GmbH (Germany) as an officer and director. After a very brief period of semi-retirement, John was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Kasten Manufacturing Corp., Allenton, while that company went through a successful liquidation of its farm equipment business. He resigned from the Kasten position on December 31, 1986, but continued to work with the company in a consulting and accounting basis. While in the West Bend area, John served as trustee for the Village of Barton. He was active on its rescue squad and worked with Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He was a member of Toastmasters and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He served as a director of the First National Bank (later M&I) and also as a director of the Community and Alumni Scholarship Fdn. (Columns). He served for more than 20 years as a director of Cedar Community Foundation. He is survived by his children, Karen (George) Solliday, Judith (Jack) Blanchette, Rachel (Carl Welke) Kamps, and Thomas (Karen) Kamps; grandchildren, Anthony, Maureen, Patrick, Megan (Michael), Samuel, Henry, Amanda, Stephen, Antonina, and Hans; his brother, Richard (Gretchen) Kamps; his sister, Rosie (Richard) Borree; his sister-in-law, Bonnie Kamps; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, and his brother, Robert Kamps. Memorial Mass will be at 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, with Fr. Jim Murphy presiding. Inurnment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Portage. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Portage, Divine Savior Healthcare Hospital or Cedar Community Foundation, 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, Wisconsin 53095. www.pmmfh.com