Wayne Allan Van Kampen

Reverend Wayne A. Van Kampen, age 80, was called home to his Heavenly Father on December 18, 2025. He passed away peacefully following a brief but aggressive lung cancer diagnosis. He was born on March 22, 1945, to Dick and June Van Kampen in Holland, Michigan.

Wayne’s scholastic achievements include graduating from Holland High School, receiving a B.A from Hope College, a Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary, being ordained in the Reformed Church of America and earning a M.A. in Psychology from Regis University.

He obtained internships in the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) program at both Harlem Hospital and Fort Logan Mental Health Center. He then became the Associate Pastor at Christ Community Church. He continued his ACPE training at hospitals in both Colorado and Minnesota. He achieved his certification as an ACPE Supervisor.

Wayne spent part of his career at Bethesda Hospital where he was a Board-Certified Chaplain, Chief Pastoral Officer, the Director of Pastoral Care and founded the Institute for Research and Treatment of Ritualistic Behavior. He also served as Pastoral Services Director at Centura Health, the Christian Living Campus and as ACPE Supervisor at Porter Adventist Hospital. He retired from University of Colorado Hospital where he served 15 years as a Senior Chaplain and ACPE Supervisor.

Wayne was an avid reader, writer, Johnny Cash admirer, puzzle maker and University of Michigan sports fan. He enjoyed walking through the neighborhood and exploring the little libraries for rare and interesting books. He also enjoyed the Colorado mountains and good food with his family. Following retirement, he spent his summers on the shore of Lake Michigan where he started every morning with a cup of coffee, sitting on the deck overlooking the water.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Thea (Schravendeel); his four children: Chad (Karen) Van Kampen, Talitha (Matt) Weiden, Dara Van Kampen, Colin Van Kampen; his grandchildren: Caiden, Arayah, Teagan, Elana, Cianna, Miles and Mason; his siblings Betty Johnson, Bonnie (Brian) Van Tubbergen and his brother Gary (Sherri) Van Kampen.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Roger Johnson.

Services will be private. Details of a celebration of life will be made available later.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Step Denver (stepdenver.gov) or your favorite charity