Errol Joe Kampschroeder

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.