Kenneth J. Kampwerth

May 3, 1943 - May 5, 2022

Kenneth J. "Ken" Kampwerth, 79, of Highland, IL, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022, surrounded by his family at his home. Ken was born May 3, 1943 in Highland, IL to Edward H. and Alvina C. (nee Steinmann) Kampwerth. He married Donna J. Jackson on April 20, 1968 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland. Ken lived in Highland most of his life. He served in the US Army Reserves for 6 years (1964-70). Ken began his career in the railroad industry shortly after graduating from St. Paul High School in 1961. After 42 years of working with several railroad companies, he retired in 2003 at the age of 60. Ken was a Life Member of Highland Council #1580 of the Knights of Columbus and Saint Paul Catholic Church. Ken enjoyed many hobbies over the years. He participated in weekly bowling and horseshoe leagues in the Highland area. As many knew Ken, one of his biggest passions was FISHING. Ken and his family spent many weekends over the years camping at Keyesport, IL, fishing on Carlyle Lake and sitting by evening campfires. Ken cherished his time with family and spent a lot of time enjoying the activities of his children while they were young. From coaching youth sports to sitting on the sidelines; he was always there to support his children. He also followed the many activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren - hockey, dance, baseball, et al. Upon his retirement from the railroad industry, Ken spent his summers at Kentucky Lake. One of the things he was most proud of was the house that he and Donna built near Kentucky Lake at Hardin, KY. (Their address was on FBI Drive; Farm Boys from Illinois). Fishing and gardening kept him busy almost every day. At the end of the day, he enjoyed nothing more than a good Vodka Martini. Survivors include: Wife - Donna J. (nee Jackson) Kampwerth, Highland, IL Son - Kent M. (Tonya) Kampwerth, Highland, IL Son - Kirk E. (Staci) Kampwerth, Highland, IL Brother - Thomas H. (long-time friend-Catherine Brandlen) Kampwerth, Collinsville, , IL Brother - Dennis A. (Mary Jo) Kampwerth, Highland, IL Grandchild - Kaleb M. (Katy) Kampwerth, Troy, IL Grandchild - Kayleen M. Kampwerth, Highland, IL Grandchild - Shane R. Lyman, Meadowbrook, IL Grandchild - Shanda L. Lyman (Significant Other-Jerry Gogolowski), Meadowbrook, IL Great Grandchild - Kurt D. Gogolowski, Meadowbrook, IL Great Grandchild - Matthew R. Lyman, Meadowbrook, IL Great Grandchild - CharleeJo L. Shewmake, Meadowbrook, IL Great Grandchild - Beau D. Lyman, Meadowbrook, IL. He was preceded in death by: Father - Edward H. Kampwerth - Died 3/09/1984 Mother - Alvina C. (nee Steinmann) Kampwerth - Died 12/24/2002 Father-In-Law - Wilbur Jackson - Died 8/30/2003 Niece - Michelle Kampwerth - Died 6/27/1982 Brother-In-Law - Timothy Jackson - Died 2/2/1985 Brother-In-Law - Darwin Voigt - Died 6/25/1997 Sister-In-Law - Susan Kampwerth - Died 1/29/2004. Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Shriners Hospital for Children; Unity Hospice and Palliative Care.