John William Kamm
January 18, 1921 - May 28, 2014
“So loved and admired by all”
John “Jack” Kamm , 93, passed peacefully with family at his side on May 28th at Swedish Medical Center in Edmonds, WA.
Jack, the son of William John and Annie Laurie (Deneke) Kamm was born in Chicago, IL and was the eldest of his two brothers, Joseph and Donald. After graduating from Proviso East High School in 1937, he served in the Illinois National Guard. He married the love of his life Winifred N. Osborne in 1942. Affectionately referring to Winnie as “Winky and Wink”, he faithfully and lovingly devoted his life to her during their 71 years of marriage. During their earlier years, they enjoyed living next door to Jack’s parents in Bellwood, IL. Later they moved to Elmhurst, IL where he spent most of his adult life while raising their two daughters. At the age of 81, he moved to Lodi, CA, where his older daughter is living. In September of 2013, he and Winnie moved to the Seattle area where his younger daughter resides. He arrived in Seattle on his 71st wedding anniversary!
An admired leader in his career as an Electrical Design and Drafting Manager at Sargent and Lundy Engineers in Chicago, he retired after 37 years of dedicated service. Outside of work, his active involvements included being a 61-year Member of the Masons and Past Master of the Villa Park Lodge, an elder and deacon of the Presbyterian Church, as well as a ham radio operator and a member of the York Radio Club. Jack helped soldiers overseas during WWII speak with loved ones back home through his ham radio. He also loved model trains, collecting coins and stamps and woodworking. If ever anyone was in need, Jack was there to lend a helping hand. He was a man of the highest integrity and honor. Jack’s love in life was his family and home, naturally including the family dog.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Winifred; daughters Sue Anne (Ron) and Debbie (Steve); granddaughters Rebecca (Justin), Kimberly and Jennifer; grandsons David (Beth) and Andrew (Holly); and seven great grandchildren as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in passing by brothers Joe and Don, as well as their respective spouses Frances and Anna.
FUNERAL INFORMATION
A memorial service is planned for July 19th, 11:00 AM, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Lodi, CA. Jack’s ashes will be mixed with his precious love's when they will be joined once again and interred in Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, IL.
DONATIONS
The staff at Swedish Edmonds Medical Center and Providence Hospice and Home Care were wonderful in keeping Jack at peace with their tender loving care for him. Donations may be made to Hospice of Snohomish County or to a charity of your choice.
Memorial
He is Not Lost Our Dearest Love
He is not lost our dearest love,
Nor has he traveled far,
Just stepped inside home's loveliest room
And left the door ajar.
Anonymous
His Journey's Just Begun
Don't think of him as gone away
his journey's just begun,
life hold so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched...
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
Ellen Brenneman