DONALD "Don" JOSEPH KAMPA

Born: April 24, 1914 Claremont, Dodge, Minnesota
Died: January 31, 1999 Tucson, Pima, Arizona
Buried: Roselawn Cemetery, Roseville, Ramsey, Minnesota

Parents:

Marriage:

Occupation:

Joseph Leander Kampa
Magdelena Otilia Haaf

Dorothy Mildred Fornell
Estherville, Emmet, Iowa
July 16, 1938

Worked for Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eau Claire, WI, and Omaha, NE
Founder, Kampa Tire Company
Minneapolis, MN

Children:	Richard Donald	Apr. 13, 1939
	Joan Kay	May 14, 1945

Widowed:	January 7, 1995

2nd Marriage:	Ida Weber
	Tucson, AZ
	January 13, 1998

Notes:

In the April 4, 1930 census, Donald was 16 years old and living with his parents and his three younger siblings in the family home in Claremont, Minnesota. Their house was

valued at $2,500 (approximately $25,000 in 2001 dollars) and the family owned a radio.

In 1949 Don and Dorothy were living at 4317 Charles in Omaha, Nebraska. Don was working as a salesman and was 35 years old.

Born and raised in Claremont, Minnesota, Don Kampa was one of ten children. He found his life's work in the tire industry and was employed by Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Eau Claire, WI, and Omaha. In 1952 Don founded Kampa Tire Company in Minneapolis and successfully operated the business until 1979 when it was sold and he and Dorothy retired, splitting their time between homes in St. Paul and Tucson. High quality work and commitment to customer service were the foundations of his business that earned the company a strong reputation and built a loyal following among trucking company clients.

Don was passionate about his family. He showed strong interest in their activities, frequently visiting them in California, France, Texas, Florida, Ecuador, Minnesota, Michigan, and Peru. Besides family, Don loved the outdoors and liked to hunt, fish, golf, and play tennis. He left behind a number of lasting friendships made through sporting and other social activities he pursued. He spent many hours reading and shared his love for books in discussions with friends and family. He wrote a book about his life entitled "Gram and Gramps" which highlights interesting events and anecdotes concerning our family history. Copies of the book are being provided to the Minnesota State and Benton and Dodge County, Minnesota Historical Societies.