Kent Knowlan Kampa

Kent was a true optimist. In fact, since he just may be listening, I'm going to say he still IS a true optimist.

Just a day or two before he, as he would have put it, "stepped on a rainbow," his wife, Carol, was once again grinding her teeth about the state of the world. Kent's response reflected his sincere and hopeful nature:

"I still have great faith in people. We are all so beautiful. I know folks are scared. But no matter what happens, no matter what the people making the big decisions decide, it's WE who support each other. WE keep it all really going. It's all of us (cue expansive gestures) who love each other, who help and include each other. Each one of us is responsible for showing up every day with the love and the light. And that will never change. People are strong and amazing. You just have to have faith in them."

A very good reminder-always. Thank you, Kent.

Kent Knowlan Kampa was born in La Grange, Illinois. He met his wife and best friend, Carol Meyr, at Concordia College in St. Paul in 1983 as she studied for a test at Embers. He cooked her breakfast.

A quick thirteen years later she asked him out. She knew that when Kent was near you, you felt safe and seen. He listened to people with intention and warmth. Carol and Kent had been friends for years, but once they started dating, she saw even more clearly what a rare man he was. She knew a good thing when she found it.

So, one morning on their way to the coffee shop, she stopped in the middle of the street and asked him to marry her.

He shouted, "Hell YES I'll marry you!" and they have been reading to each other, creating art, enjoying the extraordinary local music scene, building friendships, and making each other laugh ever since.

Kent now joins family members he loved so deeply: his parents, Donald and Margaret Kampa; his brother, Paul Kampa; his brother-in-law, Scott Lis; and his incredible nephew, Bill Kampa. He is survived by his adoring wife, Carol Kampa; his beloved sister, Karen Lis; and his older brother, Glen Kampa, whom he loved and idolized. He is also survived by many deeply loved nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and individually named backyard birds, squirrels, and bunnies.

We hope you will join us in celebrating the life of this kind, funny, and humble man.

Kent's funeral and celebration will take place on Saturday, August 1 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, MN 55110. A time for mingling and story sharing will begin at 4:00 pm with wine, beer, and light appetizers. The live-streamed service will begin at 5:30 pm and last about 45 minutes. Afterward, there will again be time for drinks and desserts.

Carol would love for you to come with any stories you would like to share as we remember and celebrate this joyful, deeply thoughtful man.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kent's name to the following organizations:
Radio K: https://radiok.org/donate
Twin Cities Music Community Trust: https://www.twincitiesmusiccommunitytrust.org/donate/
Animal Humane Society: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/

Kent, you are a rare man and friend, and we miss you like crazy. Be well, you magnificent wizard, and keep spreading love, joy, and art wherever you go.

And always remember: Be Good, Help Others, Love Yerself.