Kelly R. Camp, 73

^{Kelly R. Camp (Coach Camp), 73, of Harvard, entered eternal rest on August 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.  He was born in Harvard on March 1, 1951, to Robert and Joan Camp.  He married Pamela Pagles on July 28, 1973, and rejoiced at celebrating 51 years of marriage.} 

^{Kelly was the beloved husband of Pam, the loving father to David Camp (Nicole Larsen) and Brian (Jennifer) Camp, the very proud grandfather of Drew and Kendall Camp and he loved Mason, Martin and Anthony as his own. He was the dear brother to Lana (Scot), brother-in-law to Jim (Linda) Pagles, brother-in-law to Susan (John) Schwartzbauer, nephew to Dolly Carbonetti and Betty Garey, uncle to Jonathan, Joshua, Keith, Kari, Kylie and Jenifer and many cousins.}   

^{Kelly was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joan Camp, in-laws, Dolores and Jim Hobbs, and infant nephew, Tyler Pagles.} 

^{Kelly graduated from Harvard High School in 1969.  He received his associate in arts degree from Rock Valley College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Monmouth College, and a Master of Arts degree from Concordia University.   Kelly was the quarterback at Harvard High, Rock Valley and Monmouth.  He was a member of the Monmouth Fighting Scots Champions Club on the 1972 Undefeated Football Team.   Kelly was an Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity Gold Circle Member.} 

^{He was a lifetime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard, served on the church council, property committee, head usher, Sunday school teacher, and he sang in the choir.  He served as a Harvard Volunteer Fireman.  He was a Life Member of Harvard Moose Lodge 1289.} 

^{You might have known Kelly as your teacher, Head Coach of football, boys track and golf.  Also, assistant girls’ basketball, softball, soccer coach and swimming instructor.  A surprise in Kelly’s career was being asked to direct the girls on the MCHS Pom Pom Squad.  Kelly was a wonderful mentor and friend to many and put his heart into everything he did!}

^{He began his teaching career in 1973 as the P.E. teacher at the Capron Elementary School and he was the Head Football Coach and basketball coach at North Boone High School.   In 1980, Kelly was recruited by Marengo Community High School and continued his career as a P.E. teacher and coach.  His career as a football coach in Marengo brought him 98 wins, 7 quarter final appearances, 2 semi-finals and a 2nd place finish in the state in 1992.   He also had outstanding success with his boys’ track teams at the state level.  In 2008 the Kelly Camp Leadership Award was established.   The Marengo Indian Football program established this award to honor Coach Camp as a man that spent his life enriching the lives of all the students at Marengo High School.  Kelly was an avid Bears and Chicago Cubs fan.} 

^{After retirement from Marengo, Kelly continued to teach and coach at St. Joseph School in Harvard.   In 2012, Kelly fulfilled his dream of owning a golf business with his sons, David and Brian.  He was the proud owner of Revolution Golf HD, LLC in Harvard and Beaver Creek Golf Course in Capron.} 

^{A special thank you to Kelly’s MCHS colleagues, Steve and Kim Schultz and Nick and Crystal Damiano for always being there for Kelly.  Thank you to St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful, loving care they gave to Kelly as he battled cancer.  Thank you to our Trinity family and dear friends for all the love and support you have given to us.} 

^{A memorial gathering will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 504 E. Diggins St., Harvard, and again from 9:30 a.m. until the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.} 

^{In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church; Harvard or St. Croix Hospice, 185 Buckley Dr. Suite B, Rockford, IL 61107.}

^{Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.}

^{Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.}