January 04 1947 October 30 2019
Adolph “Rick”‘s Obituary Adolph Richard Kamm (Rick) passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday October 30 at the age of 72. Rick was born in Ashland on Jan. 4, 1947 to Adolph S. Kamm and Cecelia (Moreno) Kamm. Rick bravely battled a number of health issues over the years, including lung cancer. He is now at peace. Rick led a full and fascinating life. His early childhood years and young adult years were lived over-seas. Rick’s father was in bottling operations for Coca Cola, opening bottling plants all over the world. At the age of 1, in Costa-Rica, Rick was involved in the revolution that took place at which time he was forced to lie on the floor, covered by his Nannie, as bullets were fired through the house. He was rescued by the American Embassy, flying an American flag along with police and safely taken to safety. Coca Cola took the family to many different countries, including London, India, Okinawa, Philippines, Indonesia, Panama, Hong Kong, Guatemala, Spain, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Australia, and Thailand to name a few. Rick spent 7 years in India, probably one of the longest of his stays. One of his favorite stories was of a trip he made flying from India to New York to visit his grandmother for a short vacation. Rick was probably about 7 or 8 years old, flying alone. In those days the airlines took extra special care of its young passengers flying alone, and he was seated next to a gentleman during the flight which he took great delight in conversing with through the whole trip. When Rick got to New York, at his grandmothers house, the TV was on. Rick pointed to the gentleman he had been seated with, which turned out to be Walter Cronkite! Rick knew well the traditions and customs of India and made a lifelong friend, Ahjit (Bobby) Singh, who gave Rick a bracelet signifying lasting friendship and goodwill, which Rick grew into and is still on his arm today. Rick learned great respect for other cultures and religions and formed lasting friendships that carried him through his last day. Rick met many dignitaries and special people throughout his travels including seeing Dwight Eisenhower in India, and his class was presented an American flag. This picture of Rick, with his class, and the flag with Dwight Eisenhower hangs on our “wall of honor” at home today. Rick also attended a wedding in which Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos were present. In his later years, Rick attended Fishburne Military Academy in Virginia where he graduated with honors. He then went on to the Christian Brothers College in Tennessee. After his schooling he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and accepted a job with Coca Cola in Australia. Rick spent a couple years in Australia and then moved on to South America where he stayed until he decided he needed to plant roots and chose to move back home. Home being Ashland, where his grandfather, Adolph X Kamm had been a doctor practicing with Dr. Tucker. In 1975, Rick bought the family cabin in Iron River and started a new career with Ashland County as the Child Support Administrator. He remained there until his retirement in 2000. In 1988 Rick married Nanci (Bolka) Kamm, a union that lasted 31 years. In 1989 their son, Adolph Richard Kamm (Rick Jr.) was born and was Rick’s biggest and best achievement. He was at his happiest when he could spend time with his son. Rick is survived by his wife, Nanci, son Rick Jr., daughter-in-law Nicole, and granddaughter Kamryn (Kami). Also surviving are his brother’s Jeffrey, Minneapolis, and Douglas, Florida, and nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his parents, grandparents, and many many friends, including, Bob, Lenny, Dean, Inacki and Pablo. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at 7:00 pm, Monday, November 4, 2019 at Frost Home for Funerals in Ashland with Fr. Jerome D’Souza officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 5-7 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be held in the Iron River City Cemetery at a later date. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Adolph Rick Richard Kamm IV January 04 1947 October 30 2019.
Bratley Funeral Home – Washburn
Death notice for the town of: Washburn, state: Wisconsin