Eugene David Kampa, 82, died at his San Jose home on Sunday,
Dec. 19, 2004.
Eugene David Kampa, 82, died at his San Jose home on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004.
Mr. Kampa was born in Claremont, Minn., and attended Claremont High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 1942 and was honorably discharged in October 1945. He graduated from University of Minnesota in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in Industrial Arts. Mr. Kampa moved to El Centro in 1951. He taught woodworking for 35 years at his first teaching job in El Centro. He also taught in El Cerrito, Danville, Gilroy and finally in Palo Alto, before retiring from Sequoia Unified School District in 1985. He was a member of the California Teachers Association during his many years of teaching.
Mr. Kampa loved fishing, camping, traveling back home to Minnesota, photography, and after retirement, computers. One of his favorite hobbies was woodworking and he named his business, “Grandpa Kampa’s Woodshop.” He designed and built wood items for adults and children. He was proud of the achievements of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and happiest at family gatherings.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Frances and Jack Johnson of Sonora; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Joseph Fortino of Gilroy; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Lori Kampa of Aptos; daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Reha Butros of Mersin, Turkey; and son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Laura Kampa of McCloud; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm Sunday, Jan. 16 , 2005at the Villages auditorium, 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose. A private family interment at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery will be held later.
Contributions are preferred to the American Cancer Society (800) 227-2345. Arrangements are under the direction of Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy.
