"I graduated from Windom HS in June 1965. I will always remember the Campbells. I had both of them for my teachers, and loved them both. They were a blessing and inspiration to many of us. The day that JFK was killed, I was in Mrs. Campbells history class when the school intercom came on and played the TV newscast. It gave us all chills and we all sat glued to the intercom. Everyone was in shock and crying. Mrs. Campbell did her best to keep us calm. She was a peach! Both of the Campbells came to my Graduation open house, and I felt so honored to have them there. That was so special to know that they cared that much about their students! I will never forget that. I noticed that he passed away on January 13th, one day before my 65th birthday on Jan. 14th. We have lost some special people who will always be remembered with fond memories and well loved. May God Bless all the friends and family members. I am sorry this is so late, but better late than never. My Deepest Sympathies to you all. "
In loving memory of
David Campbell
April 20, 1927 - January 13, 2012
David C. Campbell 84, of Windom, MN, passed peacefully on Friday January 13, 2012. On Sunday January 8th, David was taken from his home, to the Windom Hospital where he serenely passed away, bringing closure to a rich legacy and joyful life in Windom, MN, a city and community so dear to him. Preceded in death by his wife Kathryn 'Kay' Westberg Campbell, David was the son of the late Laura and N. Dean Campbell. Born on April 20, 1927 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, David grew up in the Forest Lake, MN area where he graduated from Forest Lake High School. He attended St. Cloud Teachers College, where he was active in student government and elected President of the Student Senate. David went on to receive his Master's degree in from the University of Minnesota.
After graduation in 1950, David came to Windom, MN to teach Math and Bookkeeping classes. On August 30, 1951 he was united in marriage to Kathryn Westberg at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. After marriage, they lived in Indianapolis, IN where David served in the Army and taught Stenography in the Adjutant General's School at Fort Benjamin Harris. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he and Kathryn returned to Windom to continue their teaching careers. In 1967 David was elected Windom Teacher of the Year and a finalist as Minnesota's Teacher of the Year. David retired from teaching in 1982 at which time both he and Kathryn began their Antique business. They traveled the country attending antique shows greeting friends and family along the way.
David was an active member of the American Lutheran (ALC) Church in Windom, having served as Secretary, Vice President and President of the congregation. In 1982, he and Kathryn were co-chairpersons for the Centennial Year of Windom ALC. He also served as President of the Windom Concert Association. David was a member of the Masonic Lodge serving as Secretary for over 27 years and was awarded the coveted Hiram Award for outstanding distinction, devotion and service to the Masonic Lodge, community and church. He was a Life Member of the National Education Association (NEA) and a member of the Minnesota Education Association. David served as a delegate to 15 NEA conventions. In 1965 was elected State Chairman of the Teachers Education & Professional Standards. David was a Charter Member of the Friends of the Library and served many years as a long standing devoted board member of the Cottonwood County Historical Society.
David is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and ten godchildren.
Tributes
"I remember David and Kay real well David for Math and Kay for history. And then had them on my Paper route. Great people. had them to my Graduation Party in 1982 they Joked the reson they retired was out class could not get any better that that. they where great people. and will be missed by all."
"The Campbells have always been a big part of the Windom community. David was on the call committee when I was hired as the parish secretary at ALC. He was Larry's math teacher for 3 years of high school and our son's also and Kay was Larry's world geography teacher. Blessings to his family. "
"I was scared to death of Mr. Campbell when I was in his classes (I was not algebraically inclined), but outside of school he was a kind and interesting person with a wry sense of humor, and an excellent example to kids. He and Kay were wonderful people"
"Sincere...warm hearted and always wanting to bring out the best in you during class...he wanted us to think out of the box...I loved his humor and his gentle teasing...Kay and he were always giggling about something...many many fond memories of the two of them..."
"Mr. Campbell was a wonderful teacher and person. And through the years I have actually used the analytical geometry and trigonometry I learned from him - frequently! I will always treasure my memories of David and Kay. "
"I appreciated David's dedication to the Historical Society. "
"In a town abundantly blessed with excellent teachers, David Campbell was among the best of them. His students learned mathematical â??tough stuffâ? in his classroomâ??s atmosphere of no-nonsense respect for learning. One of our girls applied for advanced calculus at the U of MN freshman level. When a skeptical interviewer recognized the name of her high school calculus teacher, questions regarding her readiness ceased. Windomâ??s historical legacy, its ALC church, library, arts, music, education even at the state level, much of life in Windom was enriched by David Campbell and his beloved Kathryn. Dori Schneider "
"A gentleman and scholar. One who embodied the spirit of "teaching"; as testified to by the tributes of his former students. A Man who gave much to his community, and who will be missed by many. Our condolences to his friends and family "
" Mr Campbell was one of my favorite teachers and I credit him with my continued love of mathematics and thirst for knowledge. I remember my first day of Algebra. He went to the board and wrote the ugliest, scariest looking equation. He said,"By the time you are done with this class, you will be able to solve this problem". Three weeks later, he put an equation on the board and asked us to solve it. When we had finished, he turned to us and said, "This is the equation I put on the board the first day". He always encouraged me and after I had graduated and gone on to the rest of my life, I would enjoy seeing Kate and him around town and catch up. He always remembered me. I will will miss him. "
"Dave taught me for three years in high school. On reflection he was my favorite teacher. Probably because he made math so interesting, that was my major in college. I remember Kay substituting in many of my classes. She was also a favorite. Dave's service to CCHS is a great legacy to leave to Windom and Cottonwood County. -- Tony Smith, WHS 1958"
"Mr. Campbell made Math interesting and exciting. He provided me with a foundation to build on that allowed me to make significant contributions to the space race even without a degree. He was one of two teachers who molded my life and to him I will always remain eternally grateful. He was a teacher that "Made A Difference". My sincere condolences to those close to him. "
"I had known both David and Kay since the 50's when they took up their teaching careers. While living in Windom in the 80's, Kay and David (and David's mother) were wonderful friends to Ron and me. They contributed so much to the Windom Schools and the entire community. To all close to David, my sincere sympathy."
"David and Kay Campbell were our best friends when we were living in Windom...Best Math teacher! and Best Vocal music Teacher. (Ha!) Then Jean died, and shortly after Kay died, and now David is gone too. So it goes. Sorry that David had to live such a lonely life these last few years. What a wonderful friend! Many thanks to Ron for handling David's business and caring for him and thanks also to Wanda and Wig Turner for the the help they gave David. I remember when Paul was about to be born, D & K came over to our house in the middle of the night to stay with their God Son David, while I took Jean to the hospital for Paul's arrival. That's true friendship!!! Condolences to the family. JOHN FOLIN"
"David Campbell was an excellent Math teacher. I was not doing well in Advanced Algebra and he took the time to unlock the concepts for me. Today I am a college professor and think of David and Katie all the time. They inspired me to be a teacher. He will be missed. Ann Peterson - Class of 1965 WIndom High School"
"Mr. Campbell was a great teacher and eventually I called him a friend after he and Kay (also a great teacher) befriended my mother, Thelma Solomonson, at the ALC church. I'll miss seeing him when I visit WIndom. Carol (Solomonson) Rodman Class of 1965"
"Mr. Campbell's life was teaching and what a excellent job he did. After retirement he and Kate excelled in their hobby collecting, buying and selling antiques. I can only imagine how incomplete his life was after Kate passed away. You, his friends and family have my condolences and sympathy. He will be missed. "
"He was my Teacher first, and then a friend. I have often thought of both David and Kate with Love. Rest in God's Love Mr. C."