William Kamps

William J. “Will” Kamps, 75, of Belmont, Wisconsin, died Thursday, March 28, 2019 at his home surrounded by “his girls” after a long, courageous, battle with pancreatic cancer. A Remembrance Tribute will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. Burial will be at the Belmont Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded. Friends may call from 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until the time of the celebration at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Will was born on April 21, 1943 in Platteville, the son of Emil and Ella (Speth) Kamps. He graduated from Belmont High School in 1961. After graduation he was drafted into the United States Army on December 1, 1964. Will attended U.S. Army Signal Corp School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He was then deployed for assignment in Asmara, Ethiopia, East Africa on July 13, 1965 where he worked as a fixed station transmitter repairman. He was honorably discharged on November 30, 1966. Will was united in marriage to Connie Eustice on February 11, 1967 at the Belmont United Methodist Church. He worked at the Platteville Telephone Company for nearly 35 years retiring in 2003 at the age of 60. Will was a longtime member of the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department and Hinkins-Moody American Legion Post #453. He enjoyed working in his garden, doing puzzles, hiking in the woods, taking family vacations, and traveling with his army buddies. Will was overall a sports enthusiast having been a three sport athlete in high school and having played softball while in the army and many years after. In later years, he was happiest when attending his granddaughter's numerous dance, sports, and musical events. Will especially loved going up north and spending time at the family cabin in Lac du Flambeau.

Will is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Connie; two daughters, Stephanie (Michael) Pfeil and Amy Kamps; two granddaughters, Emily and Erika Pfeil; brothers and sisters, Donovan (Barb) Kamps, Marjorie (Fred) Dorn, Janis (Don) Selger, Karen (Joe) Prem, Keith “Smoke” Kamps, Beverly Hilgert, Thomas (Jody) Kamps, and Norma (Don) Hanson; sisters-in-law, Jane Kamps and Priscilla (Lowell) Hinkins; brother-in-law, Jim Riechers and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Harold “Skip” and LaVerne “Wormie” Kamps, sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Kamps and Rhonda Riechers, brother-in-law, Charles Hilgert, and father and mother-in-law, Ron and Mary Eustice.

Will was deeply loved by his family, friends, and special army buddies, Tom, Phil, Bruce, and Al. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by them all. Will's family would like to give a special THANKS to UW Hospital Carbone Cancer Center and Agrace Hospice for their exceptional comfort and care, as well as to those who shared their love and support with Will during his hard fought battle.