Joyce Kampstra 05/01/2026

Joyce Marilyn (Below) Kampstra of River Falls, WI passed away peacefully at home on Friday May 1, 2026.  She was born on November 30, 1934 in Oshkosh, WI to parents Ferdinand and Flora Below.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church (later called St. Paul’s Congregational UCC) in Oshkosh.  She graduated from Oshkosh High School with the Class of 1952.

In high school, Joyce was involved in the band, starting first with the tuba and switching to the flute after realizing the tuba was rather heavy to march with.  Beginning in 9th grade and continuing into her 20s, Joyce worked as a medical transcriptionist.  She was present in doctors offices as well as operating rooms taking notes for the doctors.  Joyce also worked at a local Oshkosh department store, never knowing each day she arrived to work if she would be assigned to be in the cookware department or the undergarment section. During her 20’s Joyce and some of her friends were also involved with the Oshkosh Community Players. She also enjoyed attending a few Green Bay Packer games with her girlfriends.  They would stop at local “Packer” establishments after the games where she may have received a number of players autographs or birthday well-wishes.

On July 11, 1964 she was united in marriage to Roger Glen Kampstra of Harmony, MN.  The ceremony was held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Neenah, WI where Joyce had also served as the church secretary for a few months leading up to the wedding.  Just weeks before their wedding, Roger had received his Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary.  Joyce immediately entered into the role of being a pastor’s wife.  From 1964 to 2000, her husband’s calling as a pastor took the couple to parishes at Minden, NE, Spring Valley, WI, Ettrick WI, and finally to Fertile, IA where he retired in 2000.

All through the years of ministry, Joyce enjoyed teaching Sunday School, (especially the younger children), and directing the children’s choir.  She was very involved with the women of the various congregations in the making of quilts and layettes for Lutheran World Relief.  At funerals and many other church occasions and events, she could always be found in the kitchen with the other women preparing the meals and lunches.  Never desiring to be in the limelight, but content to serve behind the scenes wherever she could, she was deeply loved by all who knew her.

During their time in Ettrick, WI, Joyce found special meaning volunteering in the NICU at a hospital in LaCrosse, WI.  She would spend hours holding and rocking newborns when their parents weren’t always able to be present during their child’s sometimes long stay.

After Roger’s retirement, Joyce continued to serve the Lord in various ways just as she had done in all the years previously.  She was Roger’s perfect partner and loving companion as she served along side him throughout his ministry.

In their retirement the couple moved to a beautiful lake home at Webster, WI, and Joyce’s loving service to the Lord and His people continued.  It was while the couple was retired, that a devastating tornado hit Siren, WI in June of 2001.  Joyce spent the remainder of the summer months and into the late fall months working with the Salvation Army providing, food & clothing to the many people of the area who lost their homes and were suffering in many ways.  She also helped with feeding the workers who came from many places to assist with the clean-up & rebuilding.  Joyce was a real trooper as she put in long days working, and during the process made many new cherished friends.  Joyce also remained involved serving at the area-wide food distribution center in Webster, WI.

During their 15 years of retirement up north, Joyce and Roger enjoyed membership & involvement with two churches in the area.  In 2015 they moved to River Falls, WI.  This move also brought with it the need to find a new church home.  And it was with joy and peace that they were led to choose First Congregational UCC as their new church home.

Of all the many roles Joyce had, being called “Mom” and eventually “Grammy” was probably the best.  She was great at both.  Many special memories were made at home, at the lake, on special occasions and on vacations or special trips.  She will be missed deeply, but lives on in all of us.

Surviving Joyce is her husband of nearly 62 years; daughter Lisa (Ron) Ruettimann of Hudson, WI, son Dan (Selena) Kampstra of Buena Vista, CO, son Tom Kampstra of Denver, CO; grandchildren Kieran and Kylee Ruettimann, and Roger D. Kampstra; two nieces and a nephew as well as great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and in-laws, Joyce was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law Carol and David Cameron, nephew Bruce Cameron, and great nephew Cameron Gassere.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation to St. Croix Hospice for their love and compassion caring for Joyce the past few months.

Memorial contributions may be made either to St. Croix Hospice, or the “Among Friends” ministry at First Congregational Church, UCC.

A Celebration Of Joyce’s Life will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00am at First Congregational Church (110 North 3rd Street) River Falls, with visitation starting at 10:00am.  A light lunch will follow the service in the fellowship hall.  Joyce’s service will be live streamed using the link below.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00AM to watch Joyce’s service.