Henry Kamp

Humble, steadfast, and kind, Henry Kamp lived a life rich in faith, family, and community. Henry was a sincere man whose integrity, and steady, structured ways provided a sense of security and confidence for his family and those he served. Never one to draw attention to himself, Henry led by example, embodying the principles of his faith and serving others with honor. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, community member, and friend, Henry will long be remembered by those who were blessed to know him.

On September 14, 1932, John and Cornelia (Sporte) Kamp welcomed their son Henry to their family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The eighth of nine children, Henry was raised in a Christian home and attended Hastings Christian School until the family moved to the farm in what is now Kentwood. After moving to the farm, Henry began attending the one-room schoolhouse in the area. Once he was old enough, he helped work on the farm and learned carpentry from his father. God started His work of conversion in Henry when he was a teenager, and from that point, Henry desired to follow the Lord throughout his life.

Henry was drafted into the army in 1952 and eventually served as a Corporal in the infantry in Korea. One of the few things Henry took with him from home was a Bible, which he read in its entirety within six months. He also corresponded daily with a young woman he met at church before his departure, Lena Van Setten.

After being discharged in 1954, Henry safely returned to Grand Rapids to resume his work and become more acquainted with Lena. In time, he and Lena began planning their future together. They married on April 11, 1956, and settled in the new home Henry had built for them on 32nd Street SE.

Over time, Henry and Lena's family grew to include their four children: Betty, Mary, Linda, and Henry Jr. As a father, Henry modeled by example, showing his children how to do what's right, be of integrity, and stand for his conservative values. He never needed to talk a lot, possessed a sense of humor, and taught plenty of lessons, including, "If you can't say anything good about someone, then don't say anything at all." He showed his children the importance of being part of the community, and that being a good neighbor is as important as leaving a place better than you found it. He fixed up his work van, adding carpet and bus seats so that he could take the family on an epic vacation. Together, they enjoyed exploring the northern states on the way out west and the southern states on the way back.

Henry continued in the carpentry trade. He and his brother Dick formed Kamp Brothers Builders, and they trained a number of young carpenters over the years. They would all agree that while Henry was not the fastest worker, he was steady, like everything else in his life, and at the end of the day, his steady performance likely outpaced others. A man of structure and routine, Henry's habits included leaving for work at the same time, eating the same thing for lunch, breaking at 9:30 AM, noon, and 2:30 PM each workday, and returning home at a regular time.

Faith was the cornerstone of Henry's life. He served his family in his home, led family worship, and prayed faithfully. He served as an elder at the church and as a board member of Plymouth Christian School, including serving as president of the board. Later, he was involved with the Heritage Hill Outreach Mission, a neighborhood mission, and was the handyman at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

In 1988, Henry built a new home for Lena and himself on Worcester Drive NE. He enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren, was always interested in what they were doing, and was quick to share their struggles in prayer. Henry and Lena continued the tradition of hosting Sunday family dinners, followed by family worship for many more years, often inviting church members or visitors. Well into his eighties, Henry continued to enjoy spending time in his workshop. A few years ago, Henry and Lena moved to Rest Haven Homes, and Henry passed away several hours after arriving at the hospital on Sunday.

Though perhaps short in stature, Henry carried a quiet, respectful presence wherever he went. A deeply humble man, what he would want others to know is that he was nothing but a sinner saved by grace—all Glory to God for Henry's life and impact on others.

Henry H. Kamp, age 93 of Grand Rapids, passed away February 1, 2026. Surviving are his wife Nicolena "Lena" Kamp; their children: Betty & Rich Buys, Mary and Joel Beeke, Linda and Pete Van Beek, Henry and Teresa Kamp Jr; grandchildren: Anne (Joel) Van Solkema, Sherry (Nathan) Robertson, Eric (Nicole) Buys, Calvin (Laura) Beeke, Esther (James) Engelsma, Lydia (Isaac) Epp, Bruce (Emily) Van Beek, Jesse (Kaitlynn) Van Beek, Anna Frandle, Leah (Jade) Basting, Courtney Byl, Hannah (Jason) Fintelman, Aaron (Maddy) Kamp, Phillip (Emily) Kamp, Marisa Kamp, Ethan Kamp; 36 great-grandchildren; sister, Gertrude Westrate; sisters-in-law Emeline Kamp and Judy Van Setten; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Henry was preceded in death by his siblings John Kamp, Peter Kamp, Jane DeMeester, Helen Kamp, Richard Kamp, Martina Feyter, and Ada Bloem.

His funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 5, at 1:30 PM at Heritage Reformed Congregation with Dr. Joel Beeke officiating. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with his family on Wednesday from 6-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE, and again at church on Thursday beginning at 12:30 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary or Grace Christian Academy are appreciated. To share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com