Paul D. Kampen

Paul D. Kampen, 82, of Humboldt, passed away at his home on Tuesday morning, October 28, 2025, following a lengthy illness.

Paul was born November 14, 1942 in Fort Dodge, the son of Fred D. and Edna E. (Leist) Kampen. He was raised and educated at Ottosen, lettering in four sports, football, basketball, baseball and track at Twin Rivers School in 1960. On February 26, 1962 was united in marriage to Marcia Hart in Livermore. The couple made their home near Humboldt where he farmed, raised sheep, sold real estate and was very involved in politics. Following Marcia’s passing, Paul married Debra Johnston at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Paul was active in 4-H, a County Council leader, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, worked the campaigns for John Kennedy and family members, John Glenn, Sarge Shriver, Jimmy Carter and Harold Hughes, extremely involved in Democratic politics for many years, the Democratic State Central Committee, Outstanding Young Farmer 1967, Jaycee President in 1968, then State Director, Entertained Vice-President Mondale, Jimmy Carter, Sarge Shriver, Grand Champion and Reserve Steer at the Iowa State Fair and won at the Denver Stock Show. He was elected in 1980 as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was an eight time county Democratic County Chair. Paul was extremely proud of his show cattle.

Paul is survived by his wife, Debra, sons; Brett (Jill) Kampen of Humboldt, Jeff (Vicky) Kampen of Fort Dodge, Joel (Sherry) Kampen of Hardy and Chad (Tammy) Kampen of Humboldt, his grandchildren; Mitchell, Maddie, Ashley, Amie, Tanner, Kole, Cody, Megan, Zach, Jaxson, Jaden & Gabby, five great-grandchildren, his sisters; Shirley Ludwig, Paulette (Gerald) Shiflett and Peggy (Errol) Erickson and his brother Scott (Jackie) Kampen of Ottosen. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marcia, sister Beverly Paeper and two nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1st at St. Mary Catholic Church in Humboldt. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass. Burial will be in Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St Judes Children's Research Hospital or the Moffitt Animal Shelter.     www.masonlindhart.com