Harold "Chick" Richard Kampfe

Harold Richard "Chick" Kampfe, a lifelong Brule resident, age 102, passed away on November 14, 2022, at Sidney Regional Medical Center Extended-care. He and his wife Beatrice moved to Sloan's Assisted Living in Sidney to be closer to family in 2016.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2022, at John's Lutheran Church in Brule, with Reverend Jon Dickmander officiating. Burial will be in the Brule Cemetery, with Military Services to follow.

Harold was born January 26, 1920, at the family farm north of Gothenburg, NE, the middle child of Edwin A. & Ida (Block) Kampfe. He had four siblings. When he was 6, the family moved to Brule, where his father managed the Aden & Kampfe store. He was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church on June 4, 1933, and has been active in the church ever since.

While he was in high school (graduating in 1937), he was a member of the Boys' Basketball State Tournament Team. He also participated in the baseball team.

Chick married his "lifetime sweetheart," Beatrice Kuskie, on August 15, 1941. They celebrated their 80th Wedding Anniversary in 2021. This union was blessed by two children-Sharon Marie and Richard Paul. The couple resided in Brule, where they raised their children and lived their entire life.
In November 1942, he began his Army military service in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. He was a radio operator in the 17th Field Artillery. He earned 6 Campaign Stars in the European Theatre. His battalion was awarded the French Croix-de-Guerre award for service. He was honorably discharged from the Army in October 1945.

Chick started working at "Kampfe's Store" at an early age and continued after his graduation. After the service, his brother Lester and he purchased the store from his father and continued operating it until their retirement in 1982.

Chick was active in civic affairs, serving on the town board and the Brule School Board. He was an avid hunter, bowler, golfer, and reader. He was a member of the Brule Volunteer Fire Dept. for over 25 years, a charter member of the Brule Lion's Club, a lifetime member of the American Legion, and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 3755. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.

Survivors include one daughter Sharon (Don) Habkirk of Michigan, a son Richard (LaVon) of Sidney, 6 grandchildren, Jon (Karyn) Gendreau of MI, Michael (Terri) Gendreau of GA, Bart & Jeff (Patricia) Gendreau of OH, Diane (Jeff) Hradecky of CO, Paul (LeAnn) Kampfe of Sidney, 10 great-children, Jordan (Katie), Emerald, Aeniayh, Gianna, Sarina, & Grant Gendreau, Kylee & Kaden Kampfe, Isaac & Sabrina Richer-Steel, & 4 great-great-grandchildren, Bailey, Oliver, Marcie & Halo. Also surviving are numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 80 years, Beatrice (Beeb), in 2021, parents and sibling and their spouses, Orva (Avon) Larson, Lester (Roberta) Kampfe, Regina (Art) Bradley, & Verla (Norbert) Heger.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Brule Fire Dept. or St. John's Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at
Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Prairie Hills Funeral Home.