DePaul University Men’s Basketball lost one of its big men with the passing of Bob Kampa on December 21, 2009. The 6-4 center/forward, who lettered for DePaul from 1948-51, played alongside some of the greatest players in Blue Demon history. The 1950-51 team featured Hall of Fame honorees Bato Govedarica, Ron Feiereisel, and Bill Schyman.
Going into his senior season, the DePaul media guide commented on Kampa as, “One of the most under-rated ball players on the DePaul team.” He would end his career with 384 points in 61 career games.
During the 1949-50 season, Kampa compiled the top individual performance notching 27 points against Boston College in the Boston Garden on January 14, 1950, the best Blue Demon effort since Ed Mikan’s 31-point effort against Notre Dame in 1947. In the game against BC, Kampa made 10-of-13 field goals and seven-of-10 free throws.
Prior to enrolling at DePaul University, Kampa prepped at DePaul Academy where he earned two letters as a center for legendary coach Frank McGrath.
Obituary from Legacy.com -
Robert F. "Bob" Kampa, 80, of Homer Glen, passed away Dec. 21Robert is survived by his wife, Margaret "Marge", nee Majka; daughters Roberta (William) Keith and Kristine (Dr. Kevin) Watt; sons Lawrence (Dr. Daisy) and John; dear grandchildren Tim (Valerie) and Matthew Keith, Katie (Keith) Bentley, Sarah, Zachary and Emily Watt and Jonathan and Jacklyn Kampa; great-grandchildren Lily Margaret Bentley; a sister, Rita (the late John) Gorman; also brothers-in-law, sisters- in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Kampa.Robert was a Korean War Veteran, a member of the Old Timers Sports Club, Homer Seniors and St. Bernard's Mens Club. He was a former varsity and record-holding player for DePaul University from 1948-51, a former professional basketball player with the Minneapolis Lakers and the Kentucky Generals, also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. Robert was remembered during a funeral service from Modell Funeral Home in Homer Glen to St. Bernard Church.In lieu of flowers, donations to the DePaul University Athletic Department are appreciated.
