Eugene David Kampa, 82, died at his home in San Jose on Dec. 19,
2004.
Eugene David Kampa, 82, died at his home in San Jose on Dec. 19, 2004.
Gene 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.
Gene moved to El Centro in 1951. He taught woodworking for 35 years with his first teaching job in El Centro. He also taught in El Cerrito, Danville, Gilroy and lastly 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.
Gene 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 was happiest at family gatherings.
Gene 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. Eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive him.
A celebration of his life will be held at 1pm Sunday, Jan. 16 at 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 were under the direction of Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy.
