January 2025
William (Bill) Kammrath passed away on December 23, 2024.
He was born to William and Ellen Kammrath in Chicago on October 8, 1942.
From his earliest days, the pull of the land called to Bill, like a whispered invitation from the soil itself. At just four years old, a visit to a friend’s farm lit a spark that would shape his life. This enduring passion led him to earn a Ph.D. in geography and earth science from the University of Illinois. When he married Connie, an Iowa farm girl, his dreams took root. Summers spent baling hay, narrowly avoiding hayfork mishaps, and toiling in the fields under a relentless sun only deepened his connection to the earth. His father-in-law, a lifelong farmer, once said Bill built the finest fences in the county—a fitting metaphor for his dedication and care. Retiring to their Iowa farm, where the rhythm of seasons shaped his days, was a dream come true.
For over four decades, Bill devoted his life to teaching at Concordia University Chicago, where he specialized in geography, earth science, and business courses. As the founding chair of the business department, he nurtured its growth and inspired countless students. His colleagues marveled at the breadth of his teaching, as he carried a more diverse course load than most professors. For Bill, teaching was not merely a profession but a calling, born of faith and inspired by his grandfather, also a teacher.
Bill’s creative spirit extended beyond the classroom to the fields he farmed and the family he loved. Whether designing the perfect angle for a fence post, creating furniture from the farm’s oak, cherry, and walnut trees, or making his bees hum with delight, he brought ingenuity and devotion to every endeavor. His children treasure the pieces he crafted—each one a testament to his care and craftsmanship.
Bill is deeply missed by his beloved wife, Connie (née Buelow), and their children: Aster (Sam Henry) Kammrath of Neenah, Wisconsin; Andrew (Ashley) Kammrath of Chicago, Illinois; April (Trevor) Kenyon of Montrose, Colorado; and Geoffrey (Susan) Kammrath of Lombard, Illinois. He was the proud grandfather of William, Mary Ellen, and Grace Kammrath of Lombard, Illinois. Also surviving him are brothers, Robert and Mark (Julaine) Kammrath; sister, Ruth (Ken) Voight; sister-in-law Ginger (Doug) Kohoutek; brother-in-law Robert (Cherie) Buelow; sister-in-law Amy Buelow; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceding him in death were parents, William and Ellen Kammrath; parents-in-law, Robert and Bertha Buelow; sister-in-law, Jean Kammrath; and brother-in-law, Dan Buelow.
Bill now finds rest in the eternal peace of God’s embrace.
Funeral services were held on December 30, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall, Iowa.