Susan J. Staves

Amazingly brave, resilient, and strong, Susan fought back after every illness, hospitalization, treatment, and physical therapy in recent years. Susan is a multi-cancer survivor. However, Susan Joan Staves (Kampa) passed away from a very rare aggressive form of cancer on

April 12, 2024 at the age of 77. Our Lord God decided it was time for her to rest in peace, reunited with her beloved husband David. She passed away peacefully at her daughter and son in law’s home (Charlene and Rockie) with an outstanding Hospice support team with Interim HealthCare of Eau Claire. Susan and her family feel blessed to have each member of this team’s personal care and compassion.

Susan was born to James and Lucille (Moore) Kampa on November 10, 1946 in Wilmer, MN. She was the 3rd oldest child. One of Susan’s fondest memories is climbing the Kampa tree, an Elm Tree, with all of her brothers and sisters at their home in Eau Claire, WI.  Siblings include:  Patricia Kampa (passed away 10-10-79), Mary (Walter) Klemencic, Louann Kampa, Charlotte Kampa, Joseph Kampa, Dorothy Holbus, Charles (Chuck) Kampa (passed away 8-11-21), William (Karen) Kampa, and Diane Dorman.  Survivors also include many many nieces and nephews- all of which are held close to her heart; as well as her late husband’s entire family-

Susan graduated from Regis in 1964. Worked full time at Sacred Heart in laundry, wanted more contact with patients so moved to work with Joseph Rosano as a physical therapy aid. When her children were born, she became a full time at home caregiver.  She would often volunteer to work in the kitchen at St Olaf’s for various events. Really enjoyed the friendships made with the ladies in the kitchen. Later in life worked in Altoona WI as an adult daycare assistant.

On January 3, 1970, Susan married David Staves at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI. The two met during an arranged blind date where they danced the night away and Susan was swept off her feet and into David’s arms. David and Susan were a truly remarkable pair to watch on and off the dance floor.

The love of their lives grew when they became parents to Michael Staves of Eau Claire, Charlene (Rockie) Bowman of Fairchild, and Timothy Staves of Eau Claire.  Grand-Parents to Austin (Angel) Bowman, Kaden (Anna) Bowman, and Great Grand to Dawson and Morgan.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents (James and Lucille Kampa), her husband (David Staves) her father-in-law and mother-in-law (Roger and Estella Staves), stillborn sister (Ann Kampa), sister (Patricia Kampa), Brother (Charles Kampa), and beloved niece Heather Klemencic.

Her favorite past time was picking out the perfect Hallmark card for her family and friends. She also kept every one that she had ever received. Her ability to remember birthdates and anniversaries by memory was a true mark of her deep love and thoughtfulness. She would often follow up with a phone call to wish happiness.  Loved taking photos of candid moments and capture personalities. She was a woman of few words, a warm smile, a caring thought, a fantastic listener, and would keep conversations in confidence. 

While Susan maybe be physically gone, her presence will be present for every new memory made. A soul that kind and that bright will never leave us.

Memorial service for Susan will take place at 11 am on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St, Eau Claire, WI 54703 with Father James Kurzynski officiating. Memorial Visitation will take place at the church on that day from 9 am until the time of service.  Inurnment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in Eau Claire immediately following the service.   

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.