Shirley Kampfert Bill

This week's theme was heirloom so I am revisiting my grandmother. I first wrote about her 5 years ago on the 30th anniversary of her passing. I chose to revisit her 2 items from her that are very much heirlooms. But more on those later.

Shirley Kampfert was born to Margaret (Schiefelbein) and Arthur Kampfert on January 23, 1927 in Chicago Illinois. She was the third of five children. All were girls, Mildred born in 1921 and Evelyn born in 1923. Violet followed Shirley in 1929 and Ethel in 1931. Shirley made her first appearance in the US census in 1930 at just over 3 when she lived in Chicago at 4318 S. Fairfield. They lived on the second floor of the house owned by Margaret's parents Elenore (Radekopf) and Robert Schiefelbein. Arthur's parents lived 2 houses down.

Shirley on right with her father

Ten years later a 13 year old Shirley and all of her family still lived on Fairfield. By then she was attending what was probably eighth grade at an unknown grade school. I do know that she went on to attend and graduate from Kelly High School and graduated in 1944 or 1945.

 

excerpts from Kelly High School yearbooks

She lived with her family on Fairfield until she married Louis Bill Jr. on May 19, 1951 at Peace Lutheran Church.

The Kampfert Ladies - LtoR Evelyn, Mildred, Ethel Margaret, Shirley, and Violet

this cedar chest belonged to Shirley. It dates from 1951 the same year she married Louis Bill. It was refinished in 2003 but kept the original hardware and interior sales sheet. The color is only slightly darker than it had been.

Shirley and Louis had five children. Shortly after the birth of their first child they moved to a house at 6225 S. Natchez where they lived the rest of their short lives.

This dresser set belonged to Shirley. It dates to 1956 - Louis and Shirley's 5th wedding anniversary. Wood is a traditional 5th anniversary gift. The dresser and chest of drawers were originally blonded and had gold hardware. They were refinished in 2003 to the state pictured. They are now in use by Shirley's great granddaughter, having passed from Shirley to one of her daughters, and then her granddaughter.

Shirley became a grandmother for the first time in 1971. She would be the grandmother of nine but only knew three of her grandchildren. She worked for some time at the Ben Franklin in the neighborhood and later as the church secretary at Messiah Lutheran Church on 62nd & Monitor also in Chicago. She always enjoyed easy listening music and often played it in the house. She also enjoyed sewing and was often found at her sewing machine making clothing for herself or a family member. Shirley was a loving person who I only wish I had known longer. She passed on April 11, 1983 at the age of 56.

in 1977 holding her 2nd grandchild

If you have any information or memories to add, please do so in the comments of this post.