Jane Gayle Kamper, 78, died unexpectedly on May 23, 2022 of a heart ailment in her apartment at Shorewood Senior Campus, Rochester, Minnesota.
Jane was born on August 28, 1943 in Grand Haven, Michigan to Dr. Russell John Kamper and Margaret (Smith) Kamper. She grew up in Spring Lake, Michigan attending Spring Lake Schools and Grand Haven High School Class of 1961. She received her bachelors degree in education from Western Michigan University following in the steps of her mother. Later she received her masters degree in Specialized Reading from Michigan State University. She taught elementary education briefly in Ferrysburg, Michigan then Byron, Minnesota and finally in Iron Moutain, Michigan where she later taught home economics, then specialized reading.
Jane made her home in Iron Mountain, Michigan for many years becoming an authentic ‘Yooper’. She moved to Shorewood Senior Living Campus in 2019.
Jane enjoyed church activities, youth work, holidays with family, traveling. She was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, Michigan. There she had been especially active in youth activities, a knittying group, Bible studies. At Shorewood she enjoyed the knitting group, bingo, Bible study.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents.
Jane is survived by her brother, Reuben (Carol) Kamper of Rochester; nephew, Donald (Kathy) Kamper of Eagan, Minnesota and their children Brien and Britta; and niece, Kimberly (Robert) Therres and their children Russell and Riley of Blaine, Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life service for Jane will be held at 4:30pm on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Rochester Community Church, 971 16th Street SE, Rochester, Minnesota.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Jane may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
Dear Family of Jane:
I knew Jane for many years during her time in Iron Mountain, she was a wonderful volunteer and enjoyed being a part of American Association of University Women. When a chaperon was needed for activities with the students at the school, Jane volunteered when others couldn’t. While she was strong willed and shared her opinions, you always knew where she stood on any issue, which can be appreciated in today’s day of wishy washy stances. She was dependable and one that always showed up to help when needed and offered her time to various projects and programs. She made her mark on our community and will be missed, there just aren’t people like Jane around anymore, that are willing to serve for the greater good.
God bless you at this time of loss.
-Tamara Juul
So sorry for your loss. Jane was one of my teachers. As a student with a learning disability, Jane went above and beyond to help me. She made a huge difference in my life and helped make me the successful professional i am today. God has a special place in heaven for Jane. Our world would be a better place if there were more people like Jane who are dedicated hard working, making a difference in their profession and changing lives. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ms Kamper tutored my daughter Carolyn who struggled with reading/apprehension for 3 years she was her angel. Carolyn went on to graduate from college. She is very successful in the business world and I firmly believe Ms Kamper made her believe she could and would accomplish anything she set out to do. Our family was blessed to have her as our friend.
I am truly saddened to hear of Jane’s passing. I have known her for almost 20 years. She was a dedicated patron at the Dickinson County Library and donated many items over the years. Even though she moved to MN, I still often see new books I know she’d enjoy and think of her. She was a presence and you always knew when she was in the building. She was also caring and donated generously to the library and the Friends of the Library any library materials that she wasn’t able to take with her in the move. While in MN we kept in contact occasionally and I considered her a friend. I hope she is at peace and that fond memories will remain for all who knew and loved her.
-Megan Buck