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Ricardo Miguel Campero

  • Saturday, September 29, 1928 - Friday, September 11, 2020

Visitation

  • Saturday, September 19, 2020
  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
  • 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane Owings, MD 20736

Services

  • Saturday, September 19, 2020
  • 3:00 PM
  • Rausch Funeral Home-Owings
  • 8325 Mt. Harmony Lane Owings, MD 20736

Ricardo Miguel Campero, 91, of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on September 11, 2020, in Maryland.  He was born September 29, 1928, in Potosi, Bolivia, and was the son of the late Juan Campero and Antonia (Romero) Campero.  His family later moved to La Paz, Bolivia, where he grew up.  As a young adult, in 1957, Ricardo immigrated to America to follow his sweetheart from Bolivia, Nelly Richards, who had previously come to America to study nursing.  They married on January 25, 1958, and lived and worked in New Jersey and New York City.  He was very proud of his United States citizenship.  Shortly after their children were born, they decided to move to Knoxville, Iowa, to raise their family in a quieter, small town setting.  Ricardo was an Accountant, working many years for Des Moines Steel Company, Contel Telephone and finished his career at the 3M company in Knoxville, Iowa.

In retirement, Ricardo and Nelly spent their time working as Walmart greeters, volunteering at Head Start children’s program, and spending time in Maryland with his beloved grandchildren.  Ricardo loved drawing, painting, playing games, dancing, enjoying music and learning to play the guitar late into his 80’s.  Ricardo was well known in his adopted Iowa community and was very active in Church, Kiwanis, the local library, the local Senior Center, Knoxville High School sports team events and many fellowship groups.  Ricardo was a faithful servant of Christ and was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Knoxville, Iowa and also attended the Church of Christ in Knoxville.

In late 2019, Nelly and Ricardo moved from Iowa to be with their daughter Mary and her family in Owings.  They enjoyed spending time at the North Beach Senior Center and taking walks with family.

Ricardo was very proud of his Bolivian (Inca) heritage and could often be found dancing to Bolivian music at home and at social events with the love of his life, who he called “Nellicita” or “Mi Vida,” which in English translates to “My Life!”  Ricardo was always known as a gentleman and a gentle man.  He was a one-of-a-kind personality and loved food, family, friends, and fellowship.  He was the epitome of the “American Dream.”

Ricardo is survived by his wife, Nelly (Richards) Campero; his son, Michael John Campero and his wife, Barbara, of Iowa City, Iowa; daughter, Mary (Campero) Berkley and her husband Bruce Berkley, of Owings, Maryland, and his 3 beloved grandchildren, Gabriela (Gabi) Berkley; Grant Berkley; and Katie Berkley also of Owings.  He is also survived by his brother, Carlos Campero of La Paz, Bolivia.  He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Freddy, Nelly Abaroa, Jorge and Emilio Campero.

Although Ricardo will be missed by his family and many friends, his wife, Nelly, has been comforted by the outpouring of kindness to her during this difficult time.  Ricardo was the pillar of our family and will be greatly missed.

The service for Ricardo will be live streamed on the Rausch Funeral Home Facebook Page starting at 2:55 PM. The service will start at 3:00 PM and can be viewed by using the following link. https://www.facebook.com/RauschFH

 

 

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Michael Irving

October 18 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

When we moved into our home, Ricardo was the first person to approach me and welcome me to the neighborhood. He was never without a smile and was so kind and gentle. He will truly be missed.

Richard Hollingsworth

September 28 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

Condolences to the Campero family. Nelly, you and my mom, Mert Hollingsworth, worked together many years at the V.A. Hospital. You were mom’s favorite nurse to work with and our family always had a great respect for you and Ricardo.

Kayla Davis

September 25 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

Nelly, Mike and Mary I am so sorry for loss of Ricardo. He was such a kind and good man, husband and father and neighbor. My heart breaks for you.
He was surely a fighter in the last few years.
All my love to you all and may Ricardo rest in peace until you all meet again.

Chrissy & Martha Cole

September 22 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ricardo. Our condolences to Nellie and the family. He will be greatly missed.

Lori

September 21 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

Dearest Nellie,
You and Ricardo were always a bright light in Lisa and my life. Many prayers and love to you at this time. Lori

Adela Lourdes Leon

September 21 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

Dearest Nelly, Mary and family. We are so saddened by the death of Ricardo, our deepest condolences to everyone of you. Ricardo was a blessing to all who knew him, he was so friendly and kind, always smiling. Every time we spoke on the phone he always ended his conversations by saying “bendiciones Adelita, te queremos mucho”. Heaven has gained another angel. The consolation is that death is not the end, it is only a passing – like going through a door to somewhere new; and having those you loved, patiently waiting on the other side, ready to greet you and welcome you. The people that we love are intertwined in the fabric of our lives even beyond death. May Good grant you the peace that passes all understanding until you meet your beloved Ricardo again.
Adela Leon and family

Kim

September 20 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

Nelly and family- It was a pleasure to live by you for many years. Our children Jacob and Claire always loved getting to talk with you and Ricardo. He will be missed. Prayers and blessings to you at this time. Bryan and Kim Avitt, Jacob and Claire

Juan Carlos Campero y Flia.

September 20 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

Nuestro más sentido pésame para ti, mi tía y la familia…

Siempre están en nuestros corazones ♥️

VARGAS SALAZAR

September 19 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

Nuestras más sentidas condolencias por tan penosa pérdida, de un Gran Ser humano. Siempre lo recordamos con mucho cariño y vive en nuestros corazones. Un abrazo fuerte para ti Mary, tu mami Nelly y toda la familia.

Roslin Thompson

September 19 – Obituary: Ricardo Miguel Campero

So sorry to hear the sad news. We will always remember Ricardo and Nelly dancing, his warm smiles, and curiosity. Hugs to Nelly and the family.

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