ONALASKA, Wis. - Joan P. (Vogel) Kampa, 86, formerly of Arcadia, died on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, at the Onalaska Care Center.
Joan was born in Arcadia on April 20, 1927, one of 11 children born to Henry and Polly (Stahoski) Vogel. She married Everett ("Louie") A. Kampa on Sept. 13, 1949, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Arcadia.
Joan, along with her husband, were faithful members of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and Holy Family Church, where they both sang in the choir and helped with the fall festival, fish fries, and other activities. In addition to raising six children, Joan was the bookkeeper for her father's business, Vogel's Garage, and later for Eckel Implement Company and the Arcadia Country Club.
While living in Arcadia, her hobbies included playing the piano, playing bridge, oil painting, collecting newsworthy articles, and being the photographer at family functions. Joan was known for sending greeting cards with her signature $2 bill to friends and family. Music played an important role in her family. She loved to sing and harmonize at any time and any place. She and "Louie" appreciated barbershop harmony and auctions. But most importantly, Joan valued her faith community and time spent with family.
Joan relocated to Onalaska after her husband's death, residing at Onalaska Care Center since 2008. Here she made friends while participating in the provided activities, such as sing-alongs, picnics, bingo, cards, and holiday parties. She was known to the staff and residents at the Care Center by her patron saint's name of Joan of Arc" (Arcadia). Her family is grateful for the many staff members who assisted and cared for her during her residency, and to the residents and volunteers for their friendship.
Joan is survived by five children: Kristine (Paul) Hesch of Madison, Mary (Chuck) Kulas of Trempealeau, Nancy Flury of Onalaska, Tom (Kathy) Kampa of De Soto, and Kate (John) Bausch of Darlington. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Joan is further survived by one brother, Henry (Joan) Vogel of Winona; three sisters, Kathleen Geralts of Elm Grove, Wis., Mary Glubka of Winona, Coleen (Claude) Deck of Onalaska; and a special sister-in-law, Patsy Kamla of Arcadia.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband; son Michael; brothers, Eugene (Bud), and Robert; sisters Mary Schilling, Dorothy Koetting, infant Colette, and Eileen Schlumpf; and son-in-law Jay Flury.
Family and friends are invited to the celebration of Joan's life to be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with visitation taking place one hour prior to the service. A private burial will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish in Arcadia, Arcadia Catholic Schools, or Mayo Health System Hospice Program in La Crosse.
Joan's family extends their sincere appreciation to the Monsignor Steve Kachel, the Onalaska Care Center Staff, and the Mayo Health System Hospice Staff for their caring compassion and service to our mother and her family.
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