Emeline Kamp

With a wonderful smile and a welcoming heart, Emeline Kamp lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Emeline led with her heart in all things and was conversational, outgoing, and hospitable. Embodying the principles of her faith, she welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend. She listened with compassion and empathy, shared her wisdom with humility and grace, and was deeply grateful for her blessings. An inspiration to all who were blessed to know her, Emeline will long be remembered and missed by those she so dearly loved.

1925 proved especially prosperous in the United States. This vibrant time grew even more brilliant as Arie and Gertrude (VanRee) Kwekel welcomed their daughter, Sameline (Emeline) , to their family on June 14, Flag Day, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The fifth of the seven Kwekel children, Emeline was always close to her siblings, who fondly called her "Sam." She grew up on Batavia Place NE, just north of Fulton Street, and enjoyed a good childhood. Days were filled with outdoor neighborhood fun, roller skating, playing ball, and swimming. The boys always wanted her on their softball team because she could hit. Like many families during the Depression era, the Kwekels didn't have a freezer or a car, so they used an icebox, bought only what they needed at the time, and walked everywhere. The family was very musical. Emeline's father played the organ and would take her to different churches for Wednesday night gatherings to hear the different organs. In time, she taught herself to play the piano and also learned to play the organ. She was very good.

Extremely bright, Emeline attended grade school at Hastings Street Christian Elementary . With her incredible lifelong memory for numbers, spelling, people, and details, it's no wonder that she was valedictorian of her class. After taking secretarial courses and academics at Davis Tech, Emeline secured her first job working for American Seating.

Emeline's faith was the cornerstone of her life, and being an active member of her church community provided both spiritual nourishment and a family fellowship. It was at First Netherlands Reformed Congregation that she was introduced to her future husband, Peter Kamp. The two took an interest in one another, but with the onset of WWII, Peter was called to military service. While he was away, the couple corresponded by letters for a couple of years, and upon his safe return, they joyfully married on February 12, 1947.

The happy couple settled on the south end of Grand Rapids for several years and then on Leonard Street North East, residing there for many years. As their family grew, Emeline stayed home, concentrating on her family and ensuring her husband and five children had a loving and supportive home. They lived a rather simple lifestyle, enjoying their family and fellowship with friends. During the Christmas season, she picked up work at Wurzberg's to earn extra money.

A woman thrived on routine, Emeline used her skills for precision both in taking care of the family and home, her daily tasks, and connecting with the neighbors. Her coffee break was always at 10 AM, and her tea break was at 3 PM. On Mondays, she enjoyed coffee with the neighbors. She also managed the family's finances and enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing for many years, making some of her own clothes, teaching her daughters, and eventually making sweaters for most of the grandchildren.

In time, Emeline returned to work, preparing the church bulletin for over 30 years and serving for over 20 years as a secretary at Plymouth Christian School. She and Peter both loved to read and worked together to build their home library full of religious books, many from England. Also, a subscriber who faithfully read the Gospel Standard and Friendly Companion, often while creating the bulletin, Emeline would lay out various readings on the living room floor as she searched for just the right meditation.

A lovely hostess, Emeline loved sharing her hospitality and sharing her home with others. For much of her life, each Sunday the family gathered at their home after the morning service for coffee, and she always made sure to serve Vamino Bars. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and, later, great-grandchildren, she very faithfully would send cards to her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren along with many of her friends. After Peter passed away in 2007, with her family's support, she was able to remain in her longtime home. For the last few years, daughter Joan lived with her.

As we celebrate Emeline's life, may we find great comfort in our treasured memories and in the honor of carrying forward her legacy of faith, hope, and love. In every moment we choose to lead with our hearts, share our time and talents in service of others, greet a stranger as a friend, share the comforts of our home, listen to our favorite music, and share a special treat with loved ones, we keep Emeline's memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired us.

Emeline Kamp, age 100 of Grand Rapids, passed away on May 16, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Kamp; granddaughter, Elissa Kamp; great-grandson, Jordan Kamp; as well as her 5 siblings: Connie Boot, Betty DeVisser, Joe Kwekel, Roger Kwekel, and Jim Kwekel.

Emeline is survived by her children: Kay and Robert VanderZand, Joan B. Kamp, David P. and Geraldine Kamp, John R. and Jane Kamp, Lynn E. and John VanDyke III; grandchildren: Robert J. and Diane VanderZand, Rodney and Jillian VanderZand, Daryl and Jennifer Kamp, Jared and Anna Kamp, Carolyn and Jonathan Roelofs, Nathan and Jessica Kamp, Jason and Rebecca Kamp, Andrew Kamp, Eric and Brenda Kamp, Gregory and Joanna Kamp, Melanie and Mark Moerdyk, Katelyn and Peter Carlson, Monica and Joshua DeKorne, John VanDyke IV, Scott and Wilma Van Dyke, Aaron Van Dyke, Calvin and Esther Van Dyke; 52 great-grandchildren; brother, Gary Kwekel; and sisters-in-law Judy Kwekel, Lena Kamp, and Gertrude Westrate, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11 AM at Heritage Reformed Congregation, 540 Crescent St. N.E. Interment to follow in Fairplains Cemetery. Friends may visit with Mrs. Kamp's family on Tuesday from 6-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE, and on Wednesday at church beginning at 10 AM. For those who wish, memorial donations to Grace Christian Academy are appreciated. To read more about Emeline, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.