John was born the son of Cyril and H. Lucille (Jennings) Kampsen on October 12, 1948, in Pontiac, Michigan. He graduated from Waterford Kettering High School, class of 1966. John was married to Michelle "Mickey" Burns until their divorce. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Oakland University while playing baseball on the first OU baseball team. John had a career in logistics management in California and Michigan. He was remarried to Antonette "Toni" Bertetti on October 29, 1990, He and Toni made their home in Rochester Hills. John also held positions with Real Estate One and the window design department at Home Depot. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, serving as a past elder, reader, and choir member.
John loved his family. His faith in Jesus was evident to all who met him. He was an actor in short films and played the upright bass in a bluegrass band called "The Nash Ramblers" in California around the LA area. John enjoyed martial arts including Tia chi and Qigong as well as gardening, reading, and sports. He was outgoing and friendly to everyone.
John is survived by his wife Toni Kampsen; daughters Laurel (George) Geis, Holly (Casey) Paulson, and stepdaughter Tara (Darryl) Richardson; grandchildren Paul Richardson, Mack (Shelby) Paulson, Tate Paulson, Audrey Geis, Kaylee Richardson, Sayde Paulson, Jasper Geis, Hazel Geis, and George Geis; great-granddaughters Norah and Eloise Paulson; brother Kerry (Kim) Kampsen; and nephew Jeff (Rachel)Kampsen. John was predeceased by his parents.
A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday July 22nd, 2025, from 1 pm until the time of the memorial service at 3pm at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 1011 W. University Drive in Rochester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John’s honor to St. John Lutheran Church and School online at https://www.stjohnrochester.org/give/ or at the church.
