Robert C. Kampen
December 25, 1942 - June 18, 2026
Obituary
DEFOREST - Robert Kampen passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in the land he farmed, the machines he kept running, and the family he loved. A proud German and a true "meat and veggies" kind of guy, Robert spent his life embraced by the simple, enduring pleasures of hard work and the great outdoors. Farming was both his livelihood and his passion, keeping him busy every season. In addition to working on his own acreage, Robert dedicated his skills to his career as a talented equipment mechanic. He worked for the Del Monte Canning Company and later for DeKalb/Monsanto, where he repaired fleets and cared for the growth and cultivation of crops until his retirement. He had a talent for seeing the potential of the soil and there wasn’t a mechanical problem he couldn't solve nor piece of equipment he couldn't fix.
When he wasn't under a hood or out in the field, he found time for the curiosity of reading and travel, the rhythmic comfort of the bowling alley and the quiet patience of fishing. Some of the family’s fondest memories take them back to sunny days on Lake Mendota, where Robert would rent a boat to spend hours reeling in perch, bluegill, smelt, and crappie. At home, he was a craftsman who had a gift for working with oak, turning raw timber into beautiful, sturdy benches built to stand the test of time-much like his own character.
For his children, the staples of Robert's presence were found right inside the back door. They always knew Dad was finally in from the field or the shop when they saw his iconic Pioneer Seed hat hung up in the mudroom on the very first hook, or when they spotted his well-worn boots resting at the foot of the family "shoe pile" as if to declare the day had been won. To honor this enduring memory, his signature hat and boots will rest prominently atop his casket as part of his final tribute.
Robert’s memory will be cherished by his sister, Dorothy Manthe; his children, Kyle Kampen, Robin (Kampen) Oscar, Chelle (Kampen) Scalzo, and Ryan Kampen; and his stepchildren, Kurt Christian and Kara (Christian) Keepers. He was a proud grandfather to Lexi Kampen, Megan Kampen, Will Oscar, Ben Oscar, Soren Scalzo, Helen Kampen, Eleanor Kampen, Dakota Wells, and Amanda Wells; and a doting great-grandfather to Evvy Kampen-Hill and Eros Kampen.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Gwendolyn (Wolter) Kampen.
Funeral services will be held at ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, W6906 County Road K, Arlington, Wis., on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 11 am with Pastor Scott Schwertfeger presiding. Burial will follow at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the service on Monday.
He leaves his family with a lifetime of stories, a garage full of memories, and a collective, heartwarming sigh of, "This is what it was like." He will be deeply missed.
For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com
Gunderson Lodi
Funeral & Cremation Care
157 S. Main St.
(608) 592-3201