Ralph Steinkamp
Obituary on Ralph E. “Umpy” Steinkamp
Ralph E. “Umpy” Steinkamp, age 90, formerly of 2608 Lind, died on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 1:10 PM in his residence at the Good Samaritan Home. He was born on December 3, 1917 in Quincy, the son of Henry & Alice (Giesing) Steinkamp. He married Hildegarde V. Cramsey on May 28, 1949 in St. Francis Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on August 13, 1963. Mr. Steinkamp was a graduate of St. Francis Grade School and Quincy College Academy. He also attended Quincy College. Mr. Steinkamp served in the United States Army During WWII in the Aleutian Islands and Philippines with the 7th Infantry. Mr. Steinkamp worked as a pressman and stereotyper at the Quincy Herald Whig for 38 years.
Mr. Steinkamp was a man of great faith and a member of St. Francis Catholic Church during his 90 years of life. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Ralph had a loving marriage of 14 years to Hildegarde whom he affectionately called “Duck”. Upon her death he had the challenge of raising four young children. He assumed both the roles of father and mother. He was a nurturing, ever loving parent who dedicated his life to his family. In his later years he enjoyed spoiling his 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Ralph attended their many activities and always looked forward to their visits.
Ralph was busy and enjoyed working in his yard, on his model train sets, golfing, garage sales, woodworking and tinkering around.
He is survived by: FOUR CHILDREN: Linda Hooley & her husband Jim of Quincy, Jeff Steinkamp and his wife Cindy of Quincy, Joe Steinkamp and his wife Shelly of Quincy, John Steinkamp and his wife Karen of Quincy;
NINE GRANDCHILDREN: Haily Meyer and his wife Heide, Jenna Steinkamp, Jayme Steinkamp, Danielle Steinkamp, Kristin Steinkamp, Joel Steinkamp, Madison Steinkamp, Graham Steinkamp, & Dalton Steinkamp;
ONE GREAT-GRANDCHILD: Ella Meyer
ONE STEP-GRANDCHILD: Chris Hooley and his wife Sara
BROTHER: Paul Steinkamp and his wife Donna of Quincy
SISTER: Marian Timmerwilke of Quincy
SISTER-IN-LAW: Marg Steinkamp of Royal Oak, Michigan
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Ralph was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jonda Steinkamp, two brothers, Kenneth Steinkamp and his wife Joann & Don Steinkamp, and a brother-in-law, Donald Timmerwilke.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and 10:30 a.m. in St. Francis Catholic Church by Rev. James Wheeler. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites conducted at the cemetery by American Legion Post #37. Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. There will be a parish prayer service at 6:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Catholic Church, Good Samaritan Home, or Blessing Foundation for Hospice.
To the Steinkamp family: My thougths and prayers are with you. I will always treasure the many visits I’ve had with Grumpy (and all of you) at Larry’s. He was a wonderful man that will forever hold a special place in my heart!! My love to all of you!
Mary Kay Costigan
Dear Cousins,
Our thoughts are with you as you make your way through this part of the journey in life. While not easy at any age, it is just so difficult to lose a parent. But, with each day comes a little more sunshine and the grief is replaced by the memories, the fun, the love and the strength our parents gave to us. Keep the faith. Unfortunately, Chuck and are are out of town on Thursday and Friday and could not change our trips. I am sincerely sorry that we can’t be there for you. Our love, Terrie
Dear Steinkamp Family, I am so sorry to hear about our Uncle “Umpy” Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. He was such a loving caring man, he will be missed by all he touched. I wish I could be there to share in your sorrow, unfortunately the weather is not cooperating. I will be thinking of everyone Fri.
Well he is finally with your mother i bet he is the happiest man in heaven do you think that he has talked to dad yet i went to see him 2 or 3 times at good sams he seemed content the first time and the second it was like he was waiting for somthing like uncle richard was before he died he sure missed aunt ruth since i didnt know your mother i asked your dad what kind of person she was but i dont realy remember what he said but in a wierd way i felt like she was a part of my life you had a good dad 2 of us were sick so we decided to stay away also it would have been hard im still missing dad running out of room love you all this cramsey family
Now the two oldest Steinkamp boys have joined Kenny to watch over us forever. I know you will miss Umpy greatly as I still do my Dad. Celebrate his beautiful life during this time and may God ease your grief.
Donna
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Dear Linda, Jeff, Joe and John:
We were so very sorry to hear of Uncle Umpy’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. So many of my happiest childhood memories include times with your family. Your dad had a beautiful soul that touched many and we will miss him.
Love,
Steve and Deb Sutton
My sister Marguerite was married to Umpy’s older brother, Don. I did not see Umpy very often but was kept informed by Don who talked about him. I also attended Quincy College 1941-1943 before going into the Army Air Corps. He was a good man who will be missed by his many children and grandchildren. Sending my condolences.