Tom Kamp

Funeral services for Thomas “Tom” Kamp, 76, of Knoxville, will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Military honors will be provided at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Future Farmers of America (FFA) or Habitat for Humanity, two organizations Tom supported with deep passion.

Thomas Donald Kamp was born May 23, 1949, in Postville, Iowa, to Duane and Eunice (Kugel) Kamp. He grew up near Clermont in northeast Iowa, attended elementary school in Clermont, and graduated from Valley High School in Elgin with the Class of 1967.

Tom met Judy Hollingshead while attending his sister Jan’s wedding. They were united in marriage on September 16, 1969, and together built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with two children, Tracy and Todd. Tom attended Iowa State University for a year before being drafted into the United States Army in 1969. He served 13 months stationed in Korea and completed his military service in January 1971.

Following his service, Tom worked with his brothers-in-law on the Hollingshead Dairy before returning to Ames to continue his education and earn his teaching degree. Throughout his career, he was able to pursue two of his greatest passions—teaching and agriculture. Tom first taught in What Cheer and later in Monroe, where he spent 19 years teaching agriculture and leading the FFA program before retiring. A devoted FFA advisor, he found great joy in mentoring students and faithfully attended the Iowa State Fair each year on opening day—fondly known as FFA Day.

Tom also had a deep love for working with his hands and being active in his community. As an independent contractor and handyman for many years, one project often led to another. Over the years, Tom built four homes for his family and remodeled many others, taking great pride in creating spaces filled with comfort and care. He enjoyed building and repairing, but even more so, he valued the opportunity to serve others through his work. That servant’s heart led him to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, where he served as a superintendent for several years. Even as he slowed down later in life, Tom continued to quietly help wherever he could—building wheelchair ramps and making homes more accessible for individuals with special needs.

Of all the roles he held, Tom treasured being a grandpa most of all. He wore many hats—bus driver, teacher, employer, driving instructor, and trusted keeper of secrets. “Papa” often joked that his favorite grandchild was whichever one happened to be closest to him at the moment. He rarely missed an event and cherished every moment spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Tom passed away on March 2, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Duane Kamp and Eunice Thorson; his parents-in-law, JV and Wilma Hollingshead; his brothers, Ed and Jim Kamp; his sister-in-law, JoAnn Lee; and his niece, Amy Jo Lee.

He will be greatly missed by his wife of 56 years, Judy; his children, Tracy (Randy) Douglas and Todd (Tiffany) Kamp; his five grandchildren, Emily (Trey) Benson, Erica (Cael) Lester, Bronson Kamp, Decklan Kamp, and Aubriella Kamp; his great-grandson, Jett, and another great-grandson, Hollis, on the way; his siblings, Jan (Ned) Pearson, Daryl (Diane) Kamp, and Randy (Paula) Kamp; his sister-in-law, Wanda (Bill Lile) Kamp; his brothers-in-law, JL (Janice) Hollingshead, Jack (Linda) Hollingshead, Greg Lee, and Jerry (Karen) Hollingshead; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will remember his steady presence, generous spirit, and deep love for his family.