We are proud to announce that Judy Kampwerth, Doug Kuhl, the late 1st Lieutenant Dennis Peek, and John Wieter will be inducted into the Mater Dei Hall of Honor May 3. Established in 1997, the Hall of Honor recognizes alumni and friends of Mater Dei who have lived their lives as witnesses of her mission. The celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. with Mass in the Mater Dei Chapel, followed by dinner and the induction ceremony. Proceeds benefit the Mater Dei Grant-in-Aid program. For reservations ($20 per person), please contact the office (618-526-7216).
Judy Kampwerth ’70 Following graduation, Judy earned a bachelor’s degree from University of St. Francis, a master’s degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, and a graduate certificate in youth ministry. Early in her teaching career, which began in 1974, Judy taught elementary history, religion, and science. Her passion for theology led her to Mater Dei in 1991.
As a theology teacher, having taught all grade levels, Judy has guided and encouraged students not only to learn their faith inside the classroom, but also to live their faith and to love their faith outside the classroom. Her goal has been to ensure all students remember “God loves you,” her signature phrase. She currently serves as moderator of Liturgical Planning Team and previously served as moderator of Liturgical Music Group, Murray Center Volunteers, and St. Vincent de Paul Society. For her dedication to our students, Judy was the recipient of the Sr. Barbara Bruns Educator of the Year award in 2010.
Since 1994, Judy has also served as the chair of Theology Department, the assistant campus minister, a member of Faculty Council, and a member of the School Board’s Mission Effectiveness Committee. As chair of the Theology Department, she played a vital role in the development of our Works of Mercy and Academic Integrity programs. As assistant campus minister, she has planned all-school and class liturgies and has provided catechist training for seniors who teach in local Youth Faith Formation programs and our faculty.
As a resident of Germantown, Judy is a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church. She and her husband Duane are blessed with five children: Greg ‘96, Beth ‘99, Jennifer ‘01, Jeff ‘04, and Lisa ‘08; and eight grandchildren.
Doug Kuhl ’88 Following graduation, Doug attended Kaskaskia College and began his employment at Continental Tire the Americas in 1991.
Since 1988, Doug has dedicated his time and talents to the Breese Knights of Columbus Council #2869. He currently serves as All Saints Academy chicken dinner co-chair and Youth Faith Formation pork sausage dinner chair; and previously served as grand knight, bingo crew leader, fish fry crew leader, and reverse drawing co-chair. In addition, he serves as counselor for Breese Columbian Squires Circle #3115; previously served as counselor for Columbian Squires Illinois State Circle; and is a member of 4th Degree Bishop Althoff Assembly, for which he previously served as commander. In recognition of his service, Doug was awarded the Illinois Squires Medal and the Illinois Knights of Columbus State Medallion.
Taking an active role in his children’s schools, Doug served on the All Saints Academy School Board, including as president; was an active member of Mater Dei’s Band Parents and Fathers & Friends; and volunteered at Mater Dei’s dinner auction and post-prom. For the past twelve years, he and his wife Cindy have also hosted NET team members, who provide retreats for Mater Dei students.
As a resident of Breese, Doug is as an active member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, serving as a eucharistic minister, usher, rosary leader, chair of the fry crew for parish chicken dinners, and member of various committees for the parish picnic.
Doug and his wife Cindy are blessed with three children: Kristin ’08, Austin ’12, and Logan ’14; and two granddaughters.
the late 1st Lieutenant Dennis Peek ’61 Following graduation, Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from General Motors Institute of Technology (now Kettering University) in 1966. In keeping with our calling to serve, he then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on January 9, 1967.
In the U.S. Marine Corps, Dennis volunteered for the Air Wing, in which he served as a jet fighter pilot. He flew a total of forty-eight missions, during which he provided air support to ground troops in combat. On January 9, 1970, exactly three years after his enlistment, Dennis lost his life, at the young age of 27, while flying over Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. For his ultimate sacrifice, Dennis was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal, which honors members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are wounded or killed in action.
As a resident of Beaver Prairie, Dennis was an active member of St. Felicitas Catholic Church, volunteering to assist with parish events and projects, including rebuilding the church when it was destroyed by a storm. The new church steeple was named in his honor.
Dennis is the son of the late August and Leona Peek; and the brother of Ron Peek, Roberta Billhartz, Darrell Peek, Gerry Peek, and the late Brenda Jansen.
John Wieter ’85 Following graduation, John earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. He has served as a pharmacist for Walgreens since 1990.
Since 1998, John has dedicated his time and talents to Albers–Damiansville Knights of Columbus Council #9768, for which he currently serves as financial secretary; and previously served as grand knight, deputy grand knight, recorder, and trustee. In addition, John is a member of the 4th Degree Bishop Althoff Assembly, for which he previously served as faithful admiral, faithful navigator, and faithful pilot; as well as the Belleville Knights of Columbus Diocesan Chapter, for which he currently serves as secretary and previously served as warden. Finally, as a member of the Illinois Knights of Columbus State Council, he currently serves as chairman for both the regional Free Throw Championship and the regional Soccer Challenge and previously served as Squires chairman. In recognition of his service, John was named Knight of the Year for the Albers-Damiansville Council in 2017 and received both the Illinois Council Shining Star Award and the Illinois Squires Medallion in 2013.
Taking an active role in the Mater Dei community, John served on the Mater Dei School Board for six years, including as president for four years; served as co-chair of the 2011 Capital Campaign Leadership Committee; and is an active member of Fathers & Friends.
As a resident of Albers, John is an active member of St. Bernard Catholic Church. He currently serves as a member of St. Bernard Men’s Club, a member of the parish choir, an adult server for funerals, and a volunteer for various parish events; and formerly served on the Parish Council, including as president.
John and his wife Kim are blessed with three children: Josh ’14, Jordan ’16, and Jacey ’20.
