Darlene Mae Kampfer's Obituary
Darlene went to be with the Lord on October 31, 2024. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born on August 8, 1927 in Ellis, Kansas. She was the oldest of the three children born to John and Lena (Marilyn) Spreen. Darlene was predeceased by her husband Lynn, her sister Margaret and her brother John. Darlene graduated from Albany Oregon High School in 1944. She was the Timber Carnival queen for the Albany Timber Carnival in the summer of 1946. She met Lynn Kampfer in 1946 after he returned from fighting in WWII. They were married on September 1, 1946. Lynn and Darlene had three children: Dennis (Julie) of Vancouver Washington, Diane (Robert) Kajca of Lacey Washington and Debbie Tyler of Puyallup Washington. Darlene is survived by her 3 children, 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Darlene was a stay at home mom until she joined Lynn as owner and operator of the Orting Food Center in 1974. She retired when they sold the business in 1999.
Darlene was the ultimate hostess. She loved to have the Thanksgiving feast at her home each year, as well as birthday and other holiday celebrations.
In her retirement, Darlene enjoyed playing golf and spending winters in Chandler Arizona. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.
Lynn and Darlene were long time members of Life Center Church in Tacoma, Washington. After Lynn passed away, Darlene became active with STARS and the SHE bible study at Life Center. She loved the fellowship as she would meet Sundays for church, Sunday school and then a meal afterward. An offshoot of that group was several women who started playing Hand and Foot on a regular basis.
Darlene moved to GenCare LifeStyle at Point Ruston in 2020. Darlene loved the family that the GenCare staff and other residents became. She taught some of the residents to play Hand and Foot, enjoyed book clubs, Bible study, group fun exercise classes and so much more.
Darlene’s family invites you to join them for a celebration of her life on January 11, 2025 starting at 1pm at the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center Aspen Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of Darlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Darlene?
Share a story where Darlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Darlene you’ll never forget.
How did Darlene make you smile?
