Michael John Kampf Jr. died Feb. 14, 2017, at his home.
Our goal as born again believer is to be able to kneel before the Lord when he calls us home to Him and tell Him that we have nothing left to offer Him. That we have used every opportunity and gift that He has given us. Michael Kampf is a man who was able to do that this morning. He was a man of immeasurable faith and strength. Truly a testament to all of us of how God can lead one man through unbearable pain and suffering to still walk with love, faith and hope to impact the lives of all of those that he encounters. I personally never was able to ask him how he was before he would ask me. That is just the kind of man he was; he put everyone before himself.
Michael was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in January of 2015 and was given only 2-4 weeks to live. Michael pleaded with the Lord to give him two more years and our mighty God heard him and gave Michael and our family two more precious years together. During that time Michael continued to work full time while undergoing extensive rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatments to slow his cancer down. There were days where this amazing man literally crawled to the front door on hands and knees, pulled himself up, and limped to his truck to make it to work on time. Michael was the sole provider for his wife and two youngest sons and he made certain that their needs were met, even before his own. He was a truly selfless man. Through the pain, exhaustion and heartache, Michael continued to witness to anyone who God placed in his path and used himself as a true testament of faith to help so many people come to the Lord. Michael is a decorated military veteran. He served in the Army for 8 years as a cavalry scout, recon, and special ops agent. In short he was made of some really tough stuff!!
Michael is survived by his wife, Scody Kampf who has stood by his side, cared for his every need, and loved him right through his illness.
Michael is also survived by his parents, Michael and Shirley Kampf; his brother, John Kampf; his children: Amber Bailey, 31, Michelle Kampf, 30, Mikey Burcham 28, Allen Oesterich, 27, Esteighna Oesterich, 25, Jacob Kampf, 24, Gabby Chapell, 23, Logan Oesterich, 23, Emily Kampf, 22, Qaiden Redmond, 14, and Chesney Redmond, 12; and his grandchildren: Jade, 9, Vito, 8, Ryon, 6, Brayden, 5, Aiden, 3, Liam, 3, Kaidance, 3, Bridgette, 3, Mackenzie and Kaitlyn, 11 months, Jase, 8 months, and Weston, 8 months.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Shott, Helen Shott, John Kampf, and Sue Kampf; and his brother, Robert Kampf.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Scody Kampf, 2900 Monroe St., LaPorte, IN 46350. There are so many expenses that they cannot afford — medical bills, funeral costs and everyday living costs — while Michael’s wife Scody continues to search for employment.
Cremation has taken place and a funeral will be held at Grace Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 3 p.m. with Pastor Charles Kim Landrum officiating. Seating for the service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.