Hurley E. Kampf

Hurley Kampf was an extraordinary man in so many ways. He inspired us through his dedication to the industry he loved, he selflessly served those in the community he called home throughout his life, and he could make us laugh with the best of them, but it was the way he unconditionally loved us that will be his lasting legacy. With the love of his life by his side for more than 60 years, Hurley experienced so many of the remarkable things life has to offer, yet there was nothing that made his heart swell with pride more than the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren he treasured. Life will never be the same without Hurley here, but the lives of many will be transformed in a significant way because of his love. Daily life was good during the decade that became known as the Roaring Twenties as innovation fueled advancements around nearly every corner within our great land. Conveniences such as the washing machine and the refrigerator made their way into American homes while Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh took us soaring above the clouds. As the winds of autumn began to settle in, a bustling family from Denver Township in Isabella County, Michigan, was eagerly anticipating the birth of their 11th child. Their wait was over on October 28, 1925, when the baby boy they named Hurley drew his first breath. Baby Hurley was the youngest child born to his parents, Matt and Margarette (Siller) Kampf, and was raised alongside his siblings, Regina, Gabriel, Rose, Katy, Barbara, Annie, Erma, Emma, Carl and John. Hurleys parents both immigrated to America from Hungary after they were married, although his father came one year before his mother. His father purchased the family farm in 1919, and as was often the case farming was a family affair for the Kampfs. Hurley attended Keller School in Denver Township where he excelled in his studies to the point where his teacher allowed him to skip a grade. He was also known for his beautiful penmanship, and he completed his formal education after his ninth grade year. Tragedy stuck early in Hurleys life with the death of his mother when he was just 16 and the death of his father just one year later. Life was forever changed for Hurley when he began dating the young girl with whom he would write an eloquent love story. Her name was Bonnie Bower, and they knew each other since they were young children. They even went to the same school, but she was a few years Hurleys junior. After falling in love, Hurley married his sweetheart on December 29, 1948, at St. Henrys Church in Rosebush, Michigan. Together they were blessed with six children: Matthew, Michael, Mark, Murray, Monica, and Myron. Family meal times were of the utmost importance in the Kampf home, and Hurley savored every moment the whole family spent together. When his wife and daughter were busy at the sink cleaning up the dishes it was customary for Hurley to come over and give them a big hug, thanking them for the wonderful meal. He was an excellent role model for his children as both he and Bonnie taught their children to be of great character and sound moral principle by example. They established a very close-knit family through the simple everyday moments. Throughout his life Hurley was passionate about farming, which was evidenced by both his devotion to working the fields and his deep love for animals. His lifelong work in the dairy industry began alongside his father when he was just a young boy. At the time they mainly relied on their horses to get their work done. With the untimely death of his father, Hurley worked alongside his brother, John, until he married his sweetheart and purchased the farm outright. Although he was devoted to his work, Hurley also made the time to enjoy life in other ways. Traveling with his wife was a favorite, and together the pair went all over. Some of their destinations included Florida, Washington, D.C., Branson, Missouri, and Opryland in Tennessee. They also went out West and explored the East Coast including North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, and the last long trip they took together was to Texas. There were so many things to love about Hurley. He was very emotional and compassionate, yet he also liked to crack jokes. As his friends and family can attest Hurley had a serious side at times, but Halloween found him more in touch with his fun-loving side as he usually dressed up for his grandchildren. In fact, there was nothing that was more important to Hurley than spending time with his family and friends, making priceless memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. In addition to his family he was devoted to his community, serving in local politics including as the supervisor and treasurer for Denver Township for several terms. Hurley was also a faithful member of St. Charles/St. Henrys parish and served on their council for a time. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Hurley Kampf made a significant impact in the world around him. He taught us so many valuable lessons, but perhaps the one that resonates most is that it is not through what we have that we find happiness, but that it is through what we give to those around us that we are richly blessed. There was no greater gift in Hurleys life than the family with whom he shared his greatest joys and weathered the storms of deep sorrow as well. A blessing to so many, Hurley will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Hurley Kampf died on Sunday, April 22, 2012. Hurleys family includes his wife, Bonnie; five children, Matthew (Deb), Michael (Pam), Mark (Cheryl), Monica (Dave Carroll), and Myron (Linda); 9 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. Hurley was preceded in death by his son, Murray (1975), and ten siblings, Regina, Rose, Gabriel, Barbara, Katy, Annie, Emma, Erma, John, and Carl. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at St. Henrys Catholic Church with Father Christian Tabares presiding. Burial will be in St. Henrys Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the Mass begins. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donating to the charity of choice. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.