"August
B. Kampa died suddenly at his house here Sunday morning at 3 o'clock.
When the tolling of the bell announced his death the entire community was
shocked and the sad tidings seemed almost unbelievable. He had apparently
been in the best of health and spirits on Saturday evening and had gone
through the regular routine of business the day before. To be taken so
suddenly from the midst of beloved ones and friends was indeed a heavy blow
to all.
"Mr. Kampa went to the barber
shop late that evening but on account of so many waiting their turn he went
home and decided to shave himself. After shaving he joined the family circle
and conversed with them. He retired soon afterwards. At about 2 o'clock
that night his daughter, Elizabeth, was awakened by extraordinary heavy breathing
from his bedroom. She hastened to the room and noticed that his breath was
failing rapidly. She aroused the family and the priest and doctor were summoned
but it was too late for medical aid to be of any avail. The last sacraments
of the church were given and he died as he had lived a devoted and staunch
member of the church. Heart failure is given as the cause of his death. His
end came peacefully and he passed away quietly in his sleep.
"August B. Kampa was born in
Germany, July 31, 1870. He came with his parents to America when eight years
of age. He was married to Miss Agnes Hawia at Albany in September, 1895. The
union was blessed with seven children. Following their marriage they moved
to Melrose where he was in the employ of the Great Northern for a year. The
family next made their home at Park Rapids where Mr. Kampa started a cigar factory.
After a few years residence there he moved to Albany where he resided for seven
years. He was next associated with Julius Adams in the cigar manufacturing
business at St. Cloud. After that he located at Avon and then came to
Freeport and has been making his home here for the past eleven years. He was
engaged in the cigar manufacturing business here and was enjoying a prosperous
business.
"He served a number of terms as
councilman and did much to bring about civic improvements. He was a strong
booster and was at all times active in the welfare of community interests.
He was a very good and desirable citizen and his absence will be keenly felt.
"Mr. Kampa was a man of splendid
physique being only 47 years of age.
"Funeral services were held from
the Sacred Heart church at nine o'clock yesterday morning. Rev. Fr. Maurus
officiated at a requiem high mass after which the remains were laid to rest
in the parish cemetery. The services were largely attended by relatives and
friends who paid their last tribute to one who was near and dear to them
during life. The deceased was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and
the members of the local court and many from the surrounding towns were in attendance
at the services. He was also an honored member of the St. Joseph Men's Sodality
and the Sacred Heart Society.
"The deceased is survived by a
heartbroken and affectionate wife, and seven loving children, Magdalena,
John, Martin, Elizabeth, Albert, Rose
and Sylvester. He is also survived by his aged mother,
Mrs. Jos. Kampa of Duelm and
seven brothers and six sisters, all of whom were present at the funeral.
"That the decreased was held in high
respect by all was shown by the many beautiful and costly floral offerings.
"The Beacon joins the community
in extending sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolence to the bereaved wife
and children in their hour of deep sorrow. May they be consoled by the thought
that it was the all-wise will of Him above who sends trials and sorrows to those
whom He loves.
"Mr. and Mrs. Kampa and family
attended the wedding of their son, John,
to Miss Ida Adams at St. Cloud last Tuesday. The young married couple were
on their honey-moon trip and were about to leave the Twin Cities for Milwaukee when word of his father's death reached them
at Minneapolis, and they arrived here Sunday evening. Numerous other friends
and acquaintances from a distance were present at the funeral.
CARD OF THANKS
"We wish to extend our sincere
thanks to the neighbors and friends for the many acts of kindness and words of
condolence spoken us since the death of our beloved husband and father. We
wish to thank all for assistance rendered us. We are especially thankful to
the C. O. F., the members of the Men's Sodality and others for the beautiful
floral offerings."
Mrs. A. B. Kampa
and Children
from Melrose Beacon
Thursday, May 22, 1919
