Joanna Joyce “Joan” Kamps

Joanna Joyce “Joan” Kamps, age 86, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, in Shawano, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.
Joan was born on January 24, 1940, in Tigerton, the second daughter of the late Carl and Hazel (Meyer) Boucher. She graduated from Shawano High School with the Class of 1958. Joan married her first husband in July of 1958, and they moved to Miles City, Montana, where he was serving in the U.S. Air Force. His service later took the family to Tripoli, Libya, Africa; Sioux City, Iowa; and finally, back home to Wisconsin. On May 19, 1975, Joan married her late husband, Leland “Lee” Kamps. Together, they relocated to Seattle, Washington, then to Ketchikan, Alaska, before returning to Shawano County in 1983. Her husband preceded her in death on January 28, 2016.
Joan had a long and distinguished career with the U.S. Postal Service. She began as a window clerk in Ketchikan, Alaska, in 1975. After returning to Wisconsin, she continued her postal career as postmaster in Larsen in 1986, followed by appointments in Marion in 1993, Darlington in 1994, Richland Center in 1997, and Mosinee in 1999. She concluded her career as postmaster in Shawano in April 2004.
Joan loved attending Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and St. Michael’s Church. She enjoyed gardening, genealogy, crafts, shopping, and thrifting. Joan embraced every holiday, fully decorating her home for everyone to enjoy. She also brought great energy and generosity to her community, serving on the Bonduel Village Board, helping with annual Fourth of July celebrations, volunteering with the Shawano Area Republican Women, organizing an event of recognition and appreciation for Bonduel first responders, and contributing in many other ways.
Above all, Joan loved her family. She took great joy in planning and hosting family get-togethers and reunions. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and her greatest legacy. She loved caring for them when they were young, attending their performances, cheering them on from the sidelines, and celebrating each of their accomplishments with pride.
Joan is survived by her three children and two bonus sons, Melanie (Tony) Ferguson, Scott McKeever, Stacy Knueppel, Allen (Shelly) Kamps, and Lee (Gina) Kamps; and grandchildren, Ashley, Dakota, Sajen, Cheyenne, Melinda, Tara, Bobbie, KC, Kasie, Terri, and Ti. Her legacy continues through her
great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her niece, Mary Myhrvold; nephew, Michael (Michelle) Myhrvold; great-nephews, Aaron (Elizabet) Janssen and Jacob Myhrvold; great-nieces, Sarah Bennett and Chelsea Myhrvold; and many other in-laws and cousins. Joan was preceded in death by her twin sons, Bret and Bart McKeever; her sister, Phyllis Myhrvold; and her brother-in-law, George Myhrvold.
A memorial service for Joan Joyce Kamps will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11 am at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Father Edward Looney will officiate. Visitation will begin at the funeral home on Thursday at 9:30 am and continue until the time of service.
In lieu of plants and flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org/wi.
In keeping with Joan’s wishes, her ashes, along with those of her late husband, Lee, will make one final trip on an Alaskan ferry, where they will be scattered into the Tongass Narrows upon arrival in Ketchikan.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The family extends its sincerest gratitude to the directors and staff at The Cottages on Golden Pond for the exceptional care given to Joan over the past five years. She dearly loved her caregivers. The family also thanks Heartland Hospice for the care provided to Joan and her family, and for being with them through the end. A special thank you to Crystal, Lindsay, Amanda, Cliff, and Diane; there are no words to adequately express what it meant to have you guide us through Joan’s final days.