Louis Marvin Kampen

LOUIS MARVIN KAMPEN, age 85 of Mankato, formerly of Waseca, went home to be with the Lord on the afternoon of Friday, March 10, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Louis was born in Waseca on February 20, 1938 to parents Louis Sr. and Margaret (Kujath) Kampen. He attended country schools near Otisco before graduating from New Richland High School with the class of 1956. After his schooling he served in the United States Army Reserves. He was united in marriage to Delores Maas on June 2, 1961 and they made their home together until her passing in 1978. On August 7, 1982, Louis began a new chapter in his life when he was married to Geraldine “Gerri” Bethke at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca. He began his working years as a carpenter but later transitioned to business ownership. He owned and operated Louis Kampen Painting and Decorating for over forty years, until his retirement with Gerri in 2006. He enjoyed his painting, as well as gardening, traveling, and attending sporting events and other activities for his grandkids. He was a long-time active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca and was most recently a member of Christ Community Church in Waseca.

Louis is survived by his devoted wife of over forty years, Geraldine “Gerri” Kampen of Mankato; his mother-in-law, Hazel Bethke of Waseca; seven children, Sheila (Don) Krueger of New Richland, Sonja Zangs of Lakeville, Aaron Kampen, Debbie (Dale) Gehring of Farmington, Lorri (Jim) Hill of Waseca, Julie (Brad) Pedersen of Waseca, and Michael (Tiffany) Gehloff of Waseca; fourteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; and his first wife.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Christ Community Church in Waseca with Rev. Rick Wulf officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Christ Community Church in honor of Louis. Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.