Harriet June (Kampfe) Kokjer
June 16, 1927 - November 17, 2022
Kansas City, Missouri - Harriet June Kampfe Kokjer, born June 16, 1927 in Gothenburg, NE to Ernest and Esther Kampfe, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Bishop Spencer Place in Kansas City, Missouri.
The oldest of six children, Harriet grew up in Omaha, NE and attended Benson West School. Along with her brothers and sisters, Harriet worked to help at home, and summer vacations were spent at her father's family farm, running water to the field workers and playing with her many cousins. She then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Fascinated with the beginning of commercial aviation and possessing the spirit of an adventurer, she left college after 2 years to join Mid-Continent Airlines as a flight attendant at age 20. Stationed in Kansas City, she flew domestic runs for Braniff airlines until marrying long-time friend and patent attorney Carter Hines Kokjer of Sidney, NE. on May 7th, 1955.
Residing in the Kansas City area, Harriet and Carter enjoyed 55 years of marriage and raised three children, providing each a wide range of opportunities and happy memories. She eagerly encouraged her children's interests, cheered every joy and comforted every sorrow. Harriet cared for her community and worked in a variety of charities across the Kansas City area. She volunteered for the Crittenton Center for children, and was a board member for the Nettleton Home for women. A member and former president of the St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary, Harriet helped run the hospital gift shop and chaired the Holly Ball. Harriet was a dedicated Altar Guild member at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and spent years helping with church youth group activities. She was also proud to be a member of the Braniff flight attendant alumni group The Clipped "B's," and an active Girl Scout leader.
A member of both Homestead Country Club and Mission Hills Country Club, Harriet supported her kids' AAU swim program activities over the years, printing many a heat sheet. Always interested in travel and other cultures, she hosted exchange students and fundraisers for AFS.
Harriet was a great cook and hostess, loved crisp ironed linens and African violets. She had an artist's eye for beauty and composition. She loved her book club and bridge companions, weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks, Nebraska football, her family and friends. She fully embraced the festive spirit of Christmas, covering the 3-story tall juniper next to the garage in multicolored Christmas lights and delivering home baked goods to the neighbors.
Harriet was an amazing caregiver to her husband and a loving babysitter to her grandkids. She spent her final 14 years contributing to the community of Bishop Spencer Place where she enjoyed so many.
Harriet delighted in living, never complained and always greeted the day with a smile and a thankful heart. She had a character that was inspiring and a gentleness for all. She will be greatly missed by those who benefited from her love and kindness.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband Carter, her parents Ernest and Esther and siblings, Ken Kampfe (Sally), DeMaris Jarrett (Scott), Darrell Kampfe (Marlyce and Diane), William Kampfe (Judy), and Betty Phelps (Tom). She is survived by her children Thomas Kokjer (Lora), Elizabeth Boyer (Jeffrey) and Karen Kokjer, her grandchildren Dillon Boyer (Kassidy), Matthew Boyer, Natalie Kokjer, Joe Kokjer, Allison Wilcox and Johnny Wilcox, and her great granddaughter Valorie Marie Boyer. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly and enjoyed every minute spent together.
The family is thankful for the tender care Harriet received from the caregivers at Bishop Spencer Place, especially Denise and Shanique, and the people of Kansas City Hospice.
A memorial service will be held 2:30 pm January 14th at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO
In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to the St. Luke's Foundation for The Bishop Spencer Place Memory Care Community, 901 E 104th St, Kansas City, MO 64131 and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace Kansas City, MO 64113.