Funeral services with Military Honors for Errol Kampschroeder, 78, Lecompton, will be at 2 P.M., Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. A visitation will follow the service ending at 5 P.M.
Errol Joe Kampschroeder was born December 9, 1937, in Topeka, KS. He was the son of Robert Frederick and Wanita Caroline Kampschroeder (Nemec). He graduated from Lawrence High School in 1955.
He proudly served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1959. He served in France as a mechanic in an Army boat maintenance unit.
Errol married his best friend and the love of his life, Nancy Joy Clifton on July 25, 1959 in Lawrence, KS. She survives of the home, along with their beloved dog Marty and “Shop Cat.” Errol cherished the love of many furry friends throughout the years. His pets were always by his side at home and work.
Errol was a first-generation business owner, founding Kampschroeder Machine & Repair in 1962. His expertise in machine, welding, & lathe work truly were unsurpassed in quality. Throughout his career many businesses came to rely on his mechanical genius, craftsmanship, work ethic and problem-solving skills.
In 1986, Errol and Nancy founded Midwest Raceway, home of the 1/8th mile drag, in Manhattan, KS. The drag strip is a labor of love that requires a lot of physical endurance and time from Errol and Nancy. Errol and Nancy willingly gave of themselves because of their love and passion for racing. Their friendships and love of the racers, their families, and racing community has always been their motivation.
Errol unexpectedly died Tuesday, November 15, 2016, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. Errol died as he lived, working hard on the job. All who know Errol realize that Errol’s death is a reflection of his relentless work ethic.
Surviving family throughout the United States includes Sons: Gregg and wife Julie, Rick and wife Vickie; Grandchildren and their families: Kami, Zack, Kasi, Kurt, Jared, Jada, Kiersten, and Laness;
Great-Grandchildren: Aiyana, Kaisen, Aavya, and Kalaya.
Errol is preceded in death by his Parents, Robert and Wanita Kampshcroeder; In-laws Ernest and Thelma Clifton; Granddaughter Katerina Kampschroeder.
The family would like to recognize all of Errol and Nancy’s friends and extended family. A special recognition to Jerry and Dana Taliaferro, Errol and Nancy’s “adopted children”; Dave and Lori Shuck, the Butler Family, Errol and Nancy’s “racing family.” There are many other friends, too many to list, that are also considered family.
Friends may call from Noon to 8 P.M. on Saturday. A visitation will take place from 3 – 5 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #14 Lawrence or the Lawrence Humane Society, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
We offer you our heartfelt condolences. It is our hope that the memories of the life you shared with Errol will be a source of comfort forever and always.
I would like to express my sincere condolences to Errol’s family.
I’ve known Errol since childhood as a neighbor and also in working for his father, which is where he inherited his work ethic.
Errol was the father figure l never had. Fun loving, full of common sense and tells it like it is. He is genuinely generous; proud but not boastful. He humbly served our nation and did not brag about it. He loved solving problems and teaching others. He cared for all people and animals. I didn’t realize how much he meant to me until he was gone. I’m thankful that he wasn’t sick, he didn’t suffer, he was doing what he loved and he was not alone. Until we meet again.
Nancy & Family,
So sorry for you loss, Your in my thoughts and prayers
Sincerely with all my love
Vicki Goff-Miller
Errol was one of a kind, and having spent many hours on the phone with him during the 70’s and 80’s , I can still remember his voice, his demeanor, and his love for his profession…he always had to do things just ” so ” to be the perfectionist that he was…Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss, I remember the days that you would come to Don’s Speed Shop and pick up parts for Errol as he was usually too busy to make it to town….a sad end to a great era…ole Kampy..
Nancy, I was shocked to see where Errol had passed away. Errol was a dear man and was well thought of. He will be missed by a lot of people. You have all of those years of memories with him. My prayers to you and family.
Nancy and family, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Kampi was a great guy and friend going all the way back to high school days
Nancy, our deepest sympathy for your loss. Prayers for you and the family. Errol was one of a kind and will be missed.
Nancy, we are sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many, thoughts and prayers are with you.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Errol’s Family during this difficult time of separation. Errol was an incredibly talented welder. A real gentleman with a strong work ethic. Our long time relationship dates back to work on the Lawrence Concrete Plant in 1976. Last week Errol repaired a cement tanker in Shawnee. His great smile and wonderful upbeat attitude will be dearly missed by his many Friends at Penny’s Concrete.
I went to school with Gregg. Only met Errol once. Was at the shop once and Errol put me on his skid steer to help him move something. Liked his style!
Nancy and family, so sorry, thoughts and prayers, Kampi was a great man and friend
Nancy and family so sorry for your loss, Errol or Kampi as we always knew him was always a great person to work with. I learned so much from him no matter if it was work or life in general. What a great friend, he will be missed greatly. My deepest simpathies to you Nancy,and family.
We celebrate Errol Kampschroeder and share our deepest sympathies for the great loss felt by the Kampschroeder family and so many.
Nancy and Family, we are so saddened to hear about Errol. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Jim Wood, David Wood, Pam Wood & Jessica – Manhattan
Nancy and boys so sorry to hear about Errol bless all of you