Harold E. Von Kamp's Obituary
Harold Kamp Obituary
Harold E. Von Kamp of Elyria passed from this earthly life into heaven March 2, 2015 two weeks shy of his 95th birthday. Harold was a man of integrity with a strong work ethic who loved to help others. He was loyal to his family and friends and will be dearly missed by the four generations that followed him.Growing up on his parents dairy farm in North Ridgeville, he and his brother Norman learned the importance of finishing a job with excellence. After graduating from high school in 1939, he stayed on the farm where he learned to love and respect the land and its bounty. As a farmer, Harold was exempt from serving in the military, and it afforded him access to gasoline so he could drive to the Lorain Roll Arena where he met his future wife, Helen Bumke. With limited funds and supplies due to the war, Harold built a little house on the farm for his bride using orange crates for kitchen cabinets.Being an analytical thinker who loved to solve problems, led him to B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company in Avon Lake where he worked as a chemist in the experimental division for thirty-three years. He was part of the team that developed the first plastic heart valve and polyvinyl chloride, and he maintained his life-long friendships with his co-workers.Serving and helping others was one of his greatest joys. He served as one of the original trustees of Community United Methodist Church in Elyria and he was a sixty-five year member of the Frank S. Harmon Lodge No. 663 F. & A.M.. If a neighbor or family member needed help, Harold was there with his tools in hand. During his retirement years, he could be found at Fundaks Art Corner where he constructed frames for his daughter Joyce. He also spent hours tending his vegetable gardens, caring for the lawn, visiting friends, and caring for the familys dogs.Harold is survived by his four daughters, Janet (Bill) Caughlin; Gayle (Scott) Guthman; Joyce (Dave Jackson) Von Kamp Fundak and Laurie (Kevin) Taub. His legacy also includes 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; two great nieces and three great nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Helen Bumke Von Kamp in 2003, brother Norman, nephew Bruce Von Kamp, niece Carole Von Kamp Ewart and parents Diederick and Myrtle Von Kamp.The family would like to express their sincere love and gratitude to the entire staff at Center Ridge Health Campus, North Ridgeville and to Crossroads Hospice for their expert care and compassion.Family will receive friends Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 10:15 A.M. until the time of an 11:00 A.M. memorial service at Church of the Open Door in the Ralph Neighbour Center, 43275 Telegraph Rd., Elyria, OH. Pastor Bob Wickens of Church of the Open Door will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Animal Protective League, 8303 Murray Ridge Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 or Crossroads Hospice, 9775 Rockside Rd., Valley View, OH 44125. A private burial will be at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township. Arrangements are in the care of Dicken Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elyria. For online condolences, visit www.dickenfuneralhome.com
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