Edward C. Kamper, age 96, of Elwood, formerly of Palos Heights, passed away peacefully Monday, August 11, 2014, at Presence St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet. He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Doris Kamper (nee Turner Jones), his children; Ronald (Audrie) Kamper, Richard (Francie) Kamper, Randy (Mary Jane) Kamper, and Joyce (Patrick) Curtin, his step-children; Alice (David) Botkin, Patricia Jones, and Charlene (Michael-2014) Hosey, 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and his brother-in-law, George Turner. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Amelia Kamper, his first wife, Helen E. Kamper (nee Exner), two brothers, Gerald Kamper and John Kamper, and one sister, Delores Koch. Edward worked for 25 years as a comptroller for Vaughan Seed Company in Downers Grove but his true passion in life was the fire department. He served as the Fire Chief for 38 years in Palos Heights and for 7 years in Lago Vista, TX. Edward was a long time active parishioner of St. Alexander Church in Palos Heights and later a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima in Wilmington. Mass of Christian Burial for Edward C. Kamper will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, August 14, 2014 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Wilmington, with Father Bondi officiating. Edward will lie-in-state at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood. Memorials in Edward's name to the Elwood Fire Department would be most appreciated. Forsythe Funeral Home 507 S. State St. P.O. Box 421 Manhattan, IL 60442 815-478-3321 www.forsythefuneralhome.com