Caroline H. (Jones) Kamps, age 88, of Brodhead, WI passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI.
Caroline was born on April 9, 1936, in Brodhead, WI. The first and eldest Daughter of Ralph and Helen (Matzke) Jones. Caroline was raised and lived in Brodhead, WI most of her life. She graduated from Brodhead High School in 1954. She lived and went to Green County Teachers College in Monroe, WI. Where she worked part time at JC Penney, until she graduated in 1956. Caroline then moved back to the family farm in Brodhead, WI. Where in 1956, she taught at Atwood Country School. During one spring weekend afternoon in May 1958, Caroline and her sister, Christine (Jones) Hammon, were down at the bridge/water just east of the old Baumgartner farm on Hwy F. Where she met Gerald (Jerry) Kamps.
Caroline and Jerry were married on December 28, 1958. They had spent 65 years and 3 months of happy marriage. Where they never were separated until Jerry’s death March 20, 2024.
Caroline taught country school grade 1-8th, until end of school year 1960. When her eldest daughter, JoAnn (Kamps) Steuri was born. Caroline stopped teaching to raise her family. Caroline and Jerry purchased and farmed on County OK, just outside Brodhead, WI in Decatur Township. They farmed for about 8yrs and had two more children, James G. and Thomas L. Kamps. Caroline and Jerry purchased the old Zuercher cheese factory property also in Decatur Township, Brodhead, WI In 1967. Caroline worked from 1970 and retired from Swiss Colony after 30yrs on October 3, 2000. She substituted at Atwood and Brodhead Elementary a few school seasons, and for Dr. Cane’s office throughout these years.
Besides raising her children, and being devoted to her family, multiple friends, and family members. Caroline had a very special bond with her sister, Christine Hammon, and granddaughters Samantha Kamps and Jessica Lyle. She was very very devoted to God and her Church. Caroline was baptized in 1936 at the Evangelical Church, which became the Evangelical United Brothern Church, and then the United Methodist Church of Brodhead. Over the years she and Jerry helped continue to build the Church’s congregation and property throughout her 88 yrs with running fundraising events, donating money and personal items such as flowers, trees, bake goods, and sewed items she made with her own hands. Caroline, over the years at various times, also taught adult and children Sunday school, was on various committees helping the Church thrive, giving sermons, sang in the choir, taught bible studies, and served President on the Women UMC throughout the years. Even though Caroline was reserved and her decisions to not participate the past year at the church. She still considered herself a lifetime member of her Church for 88 years and her love of God was steadfast and never wavered all the way up to her death.
Caroline is survived by her children; JoAnn (Joe) Steuri; Jim (Deb) Kamps; Tom Kamps, Brodhead WI; Brother In Law, LaMerl Hammon, Evansville, WI whom she was close to up to her death; Special thanks to her Nieces Tereasa and Kathy Hammon; Nephews Bob and Rich Hammon family; Grandchildren: Samantha Kamps, La Crosse, WI; Jessica (Caleb) Lyle, Janesville, WI; Former Daughter in- laws, Teresa (Chesney) Kamps; Carrie (Wenchel) Kamps; sister in law Nancy (Kamps) Bohan, Quincy, IL; Sister in law, Ruth (Ball) Kamps, Brodhead, WI; Justin Kamps, WI. Kimberly Weolky. NC, Great grandchildren: Taylin, Braylynn, Greysen, A’Rhyah, Kaylee, Orion, Kreed. Novaleigh and Elsy. Brother, Curt Jones and family, Cousins Roger Kraus, and Walter Bauman. Including several more family relatives, nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces, and nephews.
Caroline is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Kamps of 65 yrs; her parents, Ralph and Helen (Matzke) Jones; Sister, Christine (Jones) Hammon. Aunt, Florence (Ben) Bauman; Uncle, Paul (Roseanne) Matzke, Aunt, Ruth Schwartzlow; In- laws, Richard, Ronald Kamps, Betty Baker, Ruth Lenz Coplien, Judy Mattison, Aunt, Ethel Kamps, Albany, including many other family and friends that were special to her.
A private invite only service at DL Newcomer Funeral Home and memorial Dinner at Kelce Museum will be held at a later date, in Brodhead, WI. Where Caroline will be laid to rest with her husband Jerry, at Greenwood Cemetery, Brodhead, WI.
On behalf of Caroline and Jerry Kamps. Jane Kamps wants to thank all those in the community and business that have truly loved and supported Caroline and Jerry throughout their lives. Especially for the past 3 ½ years of their “end of life” journey. To family, friends and loved ones that helped tremendously during these trying last few years. All those that came and spent time with Caroline and Jerry. Debra Gary Lenz, Ron Janet Nenneman, Joanie Tom TenEyke, Ron Darlene Schwartzlow, Tony Sharon Barthel, Johnie Brinkmeier, Teresa (Chesney) Kamps, Ruth Kamps, LaDonna Buxton, Wolter Bauman, Ann Denny Schwartz, Clarence Carol Kaderly Teresa Kathy Bob Rich Hammon, Loraine Bartlett, Kristy Mike Beyer family, Kelly Rory Trudell family. Caroline loved your visits, calls, help and made her feel loved and happy for weeks You remained very special in Caroline’s heart up to the day she passed. Caroline wished to make sure to specially thank you all after her passing.
All cards may be sent to DL Newcomer Funeral Home. Please, NO DONATIONS or IN HONOR DONATIONS MAY NOT BE made to any businesses or entities without prior authorization by Executor, thank you.
www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com 608-897-2484
