Barbara F. Kampen

West Lafayette - 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.

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: https://camptecumseh.givingfuel.com/crowd/hbdcamptecumseh/fundraiser/656
Alzheimer's Association: http://act.alz.org/goto/barbarakampen
Muscular Dystrophy Association: https://mda.donordrive.com/campaign/BarbaraKampen
You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Journal & Courier from Jul. 27 to Jul. 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Kampen

Sponsored by Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – West Lafayette Chapel.

7 Entries

Frank Wheeler

July 30, 2020

I first met Barbara while first interviewing to work at Great Lakes Chemical and had the privilege of increasing personal and business-related contact for many years. She invariably was warm, hospitable and concerned in ways that made it clear she genuinely and deeply cared about everyone. Emerson could not have had a better person with whom to share his life, her children a better mother and the rest of us a better model of a life well lived. My prayerful condolences to all who were fortunate enough to know her.

July 29, 2020

Laura and family. I just recently found out about your blessed mother and grandmothers passing. I am so sorry. May god comfort her and your family. I have such fond memories of your family. Love

Kevin Port

Debbie Taylor

July 29, 2020

Dear Doug,

I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in prayer for peace and love. You were a wonderful son to your Mom and she is smiling down from heaven.
Know that I am only a phone call away.

Debbie

Charlie Yacomeni

July 28, 2020

Condolences to the Kampen family from Helen and Charlie Yacomeni.

Heather Rossmann Bosse

July 28, 2020

Dear Laura, Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Keep all the beautiful memories close and know that you are in my prayers.

David Sanders

Planted Trees

Olga Jeffares

July 27, 2020

Barb was such a beautiful person inside and out . She was a fabulous hostess and I remember when Emerson would bring home people on the spur of the moment , Barb always was ready to do a wonderful dinner for all her guests. She was always warm and caring towards everyone. She raised exceptional children who are a reflection of herself and Emerson. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories of your beloved mother. Love and Caring, Olga

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