John William Kamp Sr.

John "Bill" William Kamp, Sr.
Jerseyville - John William "Bill" Kamp Sr., 87, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and hard-working soul, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at 6:51 p.m., surrounded by his family. With his brown scapular upon his chest, Bill went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. Born into a family of nine children, Bill's life began with both hardship and strength. His mother passed away during childbirth when he was only three years old. As the second youngest and last surviving sibling, he was raised by his elder sisters and aunts, who instilled in him resilience, responsibility, and faith. He married the former Anita Jane Carnes on September 12, 1959 at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Batchtown and together they were blessed with four children and nearly 65 years of marriage, before her passing on March 17, 2024. Bill's work ethic was unmatched. A proud member of Laborers Local 42 since 1956, he worked as a construction laborer for decades. He became especially skilled in concrete work, often lending his expertise to help friends and family with projects. His hands helped shape much of the St. Louis area-building Drury Inns, hospitals, Manchester Mall, and many other structures
that stand as a testament to his craft. Fittingly, he departed this life during Labor Day week, a
lasting tribute to the decades of dedication he poured into his work. Beyond his career, Bill lived a life rich in family and simple joys. He loved family gatherings and playing checkers-even sharing a spirited game last Christmas with his great-grandsons Levi and Mason. Each summer, he proudly planted 40–50 tomato plants and tended to his large gardens. His weekends were often spent outdoors, hunting duck, quail, and pheasant with his sons, son-in-law Gary, and close friend Ralph Sievers. His prize English setter, "Dagwood," was
his trusted hunting companion for quail and pheasant. Bill also enjoyed hunting deer and turkey,
and from time to time, relaxing with a beer after a long day's work. Bill's generosity matched his skill-always ready to help a neighbor, a friend, or a family member with whatever project needed doing. After his retirement, he purchased the Carnes Family farm in Batchtown, where he built a home for himself and his beloved wife, Anita. Though many health challenges soon limited the years they could fully enjoy their new home, and ability to travel. Bill's legacy of perseverance, sacrifice, faith, and devotion to family
remains a blessing to all who knew him. He will be always remembered for his unwavering
devotion to our Lord Savior, his family, his work ethic, and his quiet strength. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, in order of birth: Tammie (Gary) Kronable of Rosedale, IL, Laura (Tracy) Sparks of Worden, IL, John Jr. Kamp of Batchtown, Charles "Chuck" (Anna) Kamp of Godfrey, IL. He is also survived by her 12 grandchildren (with 13 great grandchildren): Jared Kronable (Emily, Tinlee & Alexis) of Cairo, Egypt, Jena Issacson (Levi, Mason & Paige) of Edwardsville, IL, Brandan Turner (Brayden, Braelyn, Braysen & Brayven) of Festus, MO, Zak Turner (Zaelyn, Blakely) of Park Hills, MO, Morgan Roberson of Wood River, IL, Dylan Kamp of Kampsville, IL, Travis Kamp (Teddy) of Hardin, IL, Derek Kamp of Golden Eagle, IL , Kannon Kamp, Katherine Kamp, Karlton Kamp, and Kole Kamp of Godfrey, IL. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Agnes Kamp of Golden Eagle, Margaret Carnes of Brussels and Carol Sue Carnes of Brussels.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Anna Marie Kamp-Odneal, Winefred Kamp-Druba, Tobias Kamp, Jr., James H. Kamp, Leona Kamp-Haselhorst, Ruth Kamp-Haug, David Kamp, Marjune Kamp-Keraghan and Greg Kamp; as well as a great-granddaughter, Cameron Isaacson.
Visitation will be held from 8 a.m. - 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville with Father Ramesh Matta officiating. Burial will take place alongside his wife, Anita, at Indian Creek Cemetery in Hamburg, followed by a meal. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School, Riverbend Humane Society or Indian Creek Cemetery.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.