Richard Kampeter set example of humility, generosity, compassion
Richard H. Kampeter, 84, died on Aug. 8, leaving a legacy of faith, generosity, and service that will continue to bless the Church for generations to come.
As members of St. Stanislaus Parish in Wardsville, Mr. Kampeter and his family have been important supporters and benefactors of local parishes, the Jefferson City diocese and the Church at large.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Aug. 16, in the Cathedral of St. Joseph with Monsignor David D. Cox presiding, several other priests concelebrating, in the presence of Archbishop Shawn McKnight of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, formerly bishop of this diocese.
“I ask that all in our diocese join me in praying for the repose of Richard’s soul and for the comfort of his family in this time of loss,” said Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki, diocesan administrator.
“Please keep his family in your prayers, that they may be strengthened by the hope of the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life,” the priest said.
Mr. Kampeter was born Oct. 30, 1940, in Koeltztown, a son of the late Ilde and Anna (Stumpe) Kampeter.
He attended St. Boniface School and graduated from Fatima High School in 1958.
On Nov. 4, 1961, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Schell, who preceded him in death on Oct. 23, 2023.
Mr. Kampeter was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and the St. George Papal Society, having been recently elevated to the rank of Knight Commander of Pope Gregory the Great upon the recommendation of Archbishop McKnight.
On April 1, 1970, Mr. Kampeter and Gary Schell founded Diamond Pet Foods in Meta, a company that has been in the family for 55 years, which led to their induction into the Missouri Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2025.
Later in their career, Mr. Kampeter and Mr. Schell purchased Mid America Bank, where Mr. Kampeter had a seat on the board until his passing.
“Richard was a man of tremendous faith. He truly loved Jesus,” Msgr. Cox stated in his homily. “He always lived life to the full, but he always took time to spend time with God.”
The priest noted that Mr. Kampeter took to heart the words of Jesus’s Parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25: “What you did for the least of my brethren, you did it for me.”
“Richard took it for granted that he was able to help people, so he did it willingly,” said Msgr. Cox. “It was such a part of his nature to be generous. He was a humble, unassuming man. You wouldn’t have had a clue that he was an influential man except for how he used those gifts.”
Archbishop McKnight said Mr. Kampeter presented an excellent example to his family and the larger community.
“He taught what matters by his example,” the archbishop said. “Always a good friend and always very helpful to us in our time of need. Very generous yes, but also very personable, humble and kind.”
Abbot James Albers of St. Benedict Abbey in Atchison, Kansas, spoke of Mr. Kampeter’s respect, humility and penchant for deflecting praise and refocusing the spotlight on others.
“I think his goal was to bring them all into the light of Christ,” the abbot stated.
Msgr. Kurwicki called to mind three things people base their assessments of others’ lives on after they die:
- Character — “When challenges come to the rock of our faith and we meet that challenge and stand up, we do what we’re supposed to do.”
- Community involvement — “We are meant to live in a family — whether that’s a church family, a civic family or the family of a neighborhood.”
- Compassion — “In this world that can be so harsh, we need to be compassionate, to be kind, to be gracious to one another, to respect the face of Christ.”
“On all three of these, Richard has passed the test,” said Msgr. Kurwicki.
“Richard was a man of God,” said Msgr. Cox. “It is in living this faith that Richard has built up treasure in heaven, and that’s his far, far greatest work.”
