Kenneth E Campbell

Kenneth Edward Campbell was born on August 15th, 1950 in Hudson, South Dakota and passed away at Heritage Manor in Wakonda, South Dakota surrounded by his wife of 54 years Claire, his daughter Bridget Einrem-Campbell, and son Brad Campbell. He was the son of Edward and Marion Campbell and was preceded in death by his Father Ed, mother Marion, Niece Amber Hogue, Nephew Jason Jeffords, Father in law Andrew Bertrand, Mother in law Shirley Bertrand, and Sister in law Mary Knowles.

Kenny had a magnetic personality with a sharp wit, contagious laughter, and a sense of humor that knew very few boundaries. His approach to life was one of hard work, unwavering dedication to his close family and friends, a love of fishing and camping, and complete and total love for his wife and children. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. The number of people that saw Kenny as a second father, a good friend, or someone to seek straightforward advice from is hard to count. We ask that you remember him in the stories of his adventure through life as a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, son contractor, outdoorsman, and friend that would help you kick in the doors of hell or laugh at missteps along the way rather than how his last days were spent battling Parkinson's Disease.

Kenny is survived by his adoring wife, Claire, his children Bridget Einrem-Campbell (husband Jamey, children Jada, Gabi, Kaley (Husband Zach daughter Tatum), and Ramsey), Brad Campbell (wife Tammy, children Autumn and Ian), Brother Jerry Campbell (wife Judy, children Jody Campbell Billings (Husband Clint), Justin Campbell (Wife Sarah Anderson Campbell, children Dylan, Kaden, and Finley), Sister in law Ginny McFarland (husband Paul, Son Mike Wagner (wife Jess Hartman-Wagner, children Ashlyn and Rylee) daughter Missy Miller (husband Jerry, children Ashley and Rochelle) daughter Heather Anderson (husband Jim, children Haylee Kjose, Tyler Kjose and Taylor Kjose), Brother in law Marty Bertrand (children Ryan Bertrand (children Nicolas and Ethan), Stephanie Schluter (husband Carl, children Elayna and Ryan)), Theresa Zeman (husband Randy Robinson, son Chris Zeman (wife Nichole, children Brianna and Brittany)), Marg Shuck (husband Rich, grandchildren Sadie Shuck Hinkel (husband Skylar), Blake Mossberg, Tyler Mossberg (wife Emily Stanek, child Nora), Lanie Mossberg (child Ivy)), Debbie Hogue (husband Jeff, son Corey), brother in law Steve Bertrand, niece Chantelle Galbraith (husband Kelly, children Spencer, Grace, and Greta), and Nephew Trevor Knowles (wife Tara, children Tori Knowles Comes (husband Nic Comes) Tyler Knowles).

Kenny went to work for Ed Campbell Grading Company in 1974 headed by his father Ed and they both took orders from his mother Marion. Ken learned the ins and outs of heavy equipment operation, road construction, and running a profitable grading business throughout the '70s and 80's under the watchful eye of his father where he proved to his parents and everyone else the root of his success: a work ethic that very few people on Earth can compete with, a sharp mind for business, and understanding how to tell people they weren't as smart as they thought they were without anyone realizing otherwise. Eventually he and his brother Jerry became the proprietors of Campbell Grading Company that took on large projects such as the Dakota Dunes Development, Interchanges on I-29 for the State of South Dakota, and many smaller jobs throughout the greater Siouxland Area. Ken and Jerry turned the reins of Campbell Grading company to Justin Campbell (his nephew), but was always no more than a phone call away to help answer questions or offer advice on the business he spent his life helping build with members of his family.

Ken absolutely loved fishing since he was young and anyone that ever had the pleasure to hit the water with him understood his passion for chasing walleye, smallmouth bass, and other big catches. His wife Claire was almost always at his side, catching more fish than him (because he had to spend more time driving the boat, reading the fish finders, tending to the tackle, rods, and reels…….at least according to him). His wife, children, and grandchildren all have stories of days on the water with Ken that make them all smile, because of his "a bad day fishing is always better than a good day at work" attitude, the cooler full of snacks for a long day on the water, and the stories that he could hardly finish because of that infectious laughter and smile that always came with them. His boat was his happy place and he loved to share the experience with just about anyone that had the interest and could spare the time.

After retirement, Ken and Claire spent a lot of time fishing and camping but also on adventures with bigger boats and were able to take cruises to exotic locations they had only seen in pictures growing up. Together they saw glaciers in Alaska, crossed through the Panama Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, swam with dolphins in the Caribbean Sea, letting stingrays flop around on Ken's head in Mexico, and watching whales on the western coast of California. Going to the shows on the big boats along with the excellent food they always found was a treat they talked about to everyone (and the all you could drink add-on was always a challenge in Ken's retelling of their adventures on the water). Their grandchildren always eagerly awaited the prizes that would come from the trips, but Ken always mentioned that he thought if he had a line long enough, he could troll for saltwater fish behind those big boats! Lots of quality time as a couple was spent on the fourteen cruises, they were able to take in retirement together.

The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Kenneth Edward Campbell will be held on Thursday January 22nd, starting at 3:00 PM at Kober Funeral Home 802 East Washington Street, Elk Point, South Dakota. The immediate family will receive friends and extended family starting at 2:00PM prior to the Celebration of Life service at Kober Funeral home. A dinner and social gathering will be served at the Jefferson Community Center 309 South Railroad Avenue, Jefferson, South Dakota. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for a collection to be delivered to The Michael J. Fox Foundation to support Parkinson's disease research and family education.

Ken's immediate family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all of the loving support from the diverse communities that have been parts of our lives. The outpouring of kindness, assistance, and understanding during this difficult time of goodbyes has both overwhelmed us and eased our burdens in this most difficult endeavor. Please continue to share the stories of Ken's life with us and others in the coming years. Say his name and remember the great man that he was to us and everyone he encountered. We love you all and appreciate you more than words can do justice.