Richard Kamphuis

Richard “Rich” Kamphuis, 77, of Waupun passed away Monday, April 24, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Rich was born April 29, 1945 in Fond du Lac, the son of Gordon and Esther Rens Kamphuis. Rich attended Brandon schools, graduating from Brandon High School in 1963. On September 14, 1968 Rich married Charlene Fietz at Trinity Reformed Church in Waupun. Following their marriage the couple resided in the Alto/Brandon area where Rich farmed for 21 years. He then sold the farm in 1989 and the family moved to Waupun. After that he farmed with Germaine and Steve Navis for three years. He was then employed for 25 years at Waupun Feed and Seed from which he retired, so we thought, and back to farming he went to help his good friend Randy Bruins and his sons on their family farm. Rich enjoyed bowling in various bowling leagues to include couples league with his wife, Charlene. He also played on many men’s softball leagues. Rich was an avid sports fan. Rich enjoyed umpiring girls softball games for many years. Rich’s greatest joy was watching his grandson’s play basketball, baseball, soccer, and football. A special day he spent with his son and grandsons every year was attending the boys high school state basketball games. He was a lifelong member of Alto Reformed Church where he had served as an usher. 

Rich is survived by his wife, Charlene Kamphuis of Waupun; children: Scott (Becky) Kamphuis of Waupun, Lisa (Darrell) Vande Zande of Waupun, and Melanie (Brad) Wiese of Waupun; seven grandsons: Cody, Conner and Colin Kamphuis, Griffin (special friend, Ashley Gorst) and Trevor Vande Zande, and Tyler (special friend, Abby Stelsel) and Austin Wiese; sisters: Carol Hopp of Waupun and Colleen (Duane) Bille of rural Brandon; brother, Gordon (Debbie) Kamphuis Jr. of rural Markesan; sister-in-law, Janice Kamphuis of Waupun; other in-laws: Cheryl (Dennis) Schouten of Waupun, Sandy (Bob) Huecker of Lomira, Julie Fietz of California, and Carla (Randy) Landaal of Waupun; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Esther Kamphuis; brother, Ken Kamphuis; brother-in-law, Elton Hopp; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orlin and Grace Fietz.

Rich was such an inspiration and had a special place in many people’s hearts, young and old. 

The family would like to thank SSM Health Cancer Center and Hospice for the passionate care given to Rich.

Funeral services for Rich Kamphuis will be held Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Alto Reformed Church with Pastor Doug Shotsky officiating. Burial will follow at Alto Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Thursday at Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun from 4-7 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Services will be livestreamed on Alto Reformed Church’s Facebook page.