Gena J. Awerkamp
Gena J. Awerkamp, 73, of Quincy, died very peacefully onto eternal life on Thursday, April 2, 2020, at her home with her family by her side. She passed away after a 16-year war against stage 4 lung cancer.
She was born January 21, 1947 in Keokuk, Iowa, to Craig H. and Alyce (Alexander) Glaser of Kahoka, Missouri. She attended Kahoka schools, graduating with the class of 1965. She graduated with a degree in elementary education from the University of Missouri in 1969.
On June 7, 1968, she married Jimmie L. Trueblood of Memphis, Missouri. He died on March 9, 1978. She and her children moved to Columbia, Missouri, where she attended the University of Missouri School of Law, graduating in 1982. She practiced law in Columbia for many years with the firm of Smith, Lewis, Beckett & Powell.
On June 25, 1988, she married William J. Awerkamp and moved to Quincy. She became a partner at Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell. She retired in 2007, several years after her cancer was diagnosed. Because she continued to be in relatively good health, she was a volunteer tutor for GED students at John Wood Community College, an annulment advocate for the Diocese of Springfield, and an active grandmother. She was a member of Blessing Hospital’s Ethics Committee and was on the Boards of Directors of The Quincy Museum, Transitions, and Good Samaritan Home of Quincy, serving as President of the Board at Good Sam.
Gena was an avid sports fan and loved the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Missouri Tigers. She was a proud partial owner of Awerkamp Machine Co. and loved baking treats for the employees. She was also an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Gena is survived by her husband, Bill Awerkamp; her children, Joel (Renee) Trueblood of Tacoma, Washington, Johnna (Mark) Terwelp of Quincy, and Jill Trueblood (Lanny Attebery) of Tonasket, Washington; her grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Josephine Trueblood, Benjamin Terwelp, Ella Terwelp, and Anne-Marie Trueblood. Other survivors are her brothers-in-law, Robert (Mary) Awerkamp of Bellview, Kansas and Donald (Barbara) Awerkamp of Tucson, Arizona; her sisters-in-law, Janet Awerkamp of Dana Point, California and Judy (Rick) Shuey of Kirksville, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews. She’s also survived by Mikie (Ray) O’Bryant (who she thought of as her sister) of Kahoka, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her first husband; her parents; in-laws, Vern and Leona Trueblood and John and Myrtle Awerkamp; and a brother-in-law, Gary Trueblood.
Due to COVID-I9 restrictions, a private funeral mass will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Monsignor Michael Kuse officiating, followed by an internment at Calvary Cemetery. Duker and Haugh Funeral Home will oversee arrangements. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Any memorials can be made to the Quincy Medical Group Cancer Institute or Blessing Foundation (specially gifted to the radiation department). Gena credited those with allowing her to live a long life after being diagnosed with cancer. Donations can also be made to a charity of donor’s choice. Donations will be handled by Duker and Haugh Funeral Home.
Gena and I were classmates at Kahoka High School. She stood out for her intelligence and her kind nature. What an accomplished life she lived. My deepest sympathy to her family at her passing and may their love for her sustain them in their grief.
Gena and I were born two months apart. For our first 18 years, we lived and grew up a block away from each other in Kahoka until we graduated from high school in 1965. We had stayed in touch over the past few years with an occasional exchange of e-mails as I always wanted to know how she was doing. I really admired her remarkable courage and tenacity in battling cancer. She accomplished so much in her life that was cut far too short. I will always remember Gena as a very special person. My sympathies goes out to her family.
Our prayers for the family. Gena was one of the finest human beings I had the pleasure to know
So sorry for your loss. Gena was a great lady. I just need to say Hi, Gena from the other Gena once more. I worked Good Sam and we always had such a great time saying hi to each other since we spelled our names the same and we were both born in January. She will be missed!
Bill and family, Carol and I, and our family were so sorry to hear of Gena’s passing. Our children knew and loved her. She was such a special person, with an indomitable spirit! She always had a smile for us, even on bad days. We will miss her. The times keep us from physically showing our sympathy, but please know that we all hold her and you in our hearts. We are filled with sorrow, but take solace in knowing she is free from her earthly suffering. May she rest in Jesus arms, and God bless you and yours.
Bill and Family.
we are so sorry for your loss.
we will keep you in our prayers.
I can only imagine your pain and heartache with the loss of your wife, you have all our prayers and sympathy. May the good Lord hold you up through this difficult time. Harold and Scott
We are sorry we cannot express our sympathy in person, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dear Bill,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m thankful Marion and I got to see you both at the cancer center several times. We have many shared memories and I know God will see you through this loss. Praying for you.
Bill, Joel, Jill and Johnna
We are so saddened to hear of Gena’s passing, but know she fought a good battle. We will cherish the times we spent with all of you over the years.
She was such a good friend and always brought a smile to our face.
Our prayers are with all of you now and in the days ahead.
Good bye dear Gena, rest in peace
What I loved most about you, Gena, was the love you shared with my buddy, Bill. I was proud to have served as best man at your wedding over 30 years ago.
Dear Bill, Thinking of you. Dick & Pat Wentura
Bill, so sorry! I always enjoyed talking to Her
Gina was a great person I admires from first grade though high school as a classmate, and beyond. She was special and will be missed.
I know we really were sisters of the heart. When I was little I got to walk across the street by myself to give Gena her May Basket. Thinking of all of you with love and sadness, Ray and Mikie
I am so sorry to hear of Gena’s death. Gena had such a love for life and was a blessing to anyone lucky enough to cross her path. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends and her community.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gena and I were in the same graduating class at Kahoka. I’m sure she will be greatly missed by all. Prayers of comfort for her family.
Bill, where to begin? Our hearts are breaking and, yet, also bursting with reminiscence of happy memories. The four of us experienced so many parts of this beautiful world together. We send healing prayers to the family. Thanks for sharing this special lady with us.
Bill so sad to hear about Gina’s passing at least now she’s at ease and doesn’t have to battle any more sorry we can’t express our feelings in person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time Mark and Jannel Vonder Haar
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
We are saddened to hear of Gena’s passing but know she is out of pain and suffering and with the Lord. Our sympathies go out to the family.
Bill, and family.we are sad for your great loss. We will miss the good legal advice, and friendly smile. May God give you all peace and rest through this difficult time. Your friends JD and Nancy Albsmeyer
Bill and Family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Bill, so very sorry for your loss.
In GOD’s hands now.
Bill, please accept our sympathy.
I am just heart broken loved her so much and was a great friend I will always cherish our lunch dates we had over the last few years a wonderful sweet person
Accept my sympathy at this time, Bill. She no longer suffers, but is with God!