Walter F. "Spike" Bierkamp

Walter "Spike" F. Bierkamp Delta Township Walter "Spike" F. Bierkamp passed away very "peacefully" on November 22, 2010 with his family at his side. Spike was born February 9, 1914 in Detroit, MI. He moved to Lansing and attended Michigan State College. On September 14, 1940, he married Roberta Ann Starkweather, daughter of Forest and Kathleen Starkweather of Grand Ledge. During World War II, he worked at Diamond-Reo Truck Plant for Nash-Kelvinator, which had been converted into a Military Defense Plant. After World War II, he became a sales manager for the Sturm Tool Supply Company in Lansing. He later became the sole owner and President. He was on the Board of Directors of the Ingham County Unit of the American Cancer Society for several years and was president from 1967-1968. He also became a member of the Country Club of Lansing in 1955. In 1974, he sold his business and retired. He and his wife enjoyed their second home on "little" Glen Lake near Traverse City. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling and many evening beach campfires with his family. He was also an avid MSU "Spartan" sports fan. Thanks to his nephew, Brig. Gen. Joseph S. Stringham (Ret.), of Woodville, Alabama, he became a Honorary member of the Famous 75th Infantry (Ranger) Regiment. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #33 F. & A.M., Capital Charter #9 R.A.M., and was on the Drill Team of Lansing Commandery #25 Knights Templar. He was preceded in death by infant granddaughter, Kelly Jo Bierkamp, and his sister, Eleanor Stringham. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Roberta, his son W. Bruce Bierkamp (Janet), daughter Kathleen Ann Mikesell (Richard), five granddaughters: Linda Wallace (Dan), Amy Kisnonsky (Tom), Diane Stanfill (John), Michelle Hiscock (Dan), Kimberlee Hughett (Nick), eight great-grandchildren and three nephews. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the staff of the Eaton Community Hospice of Charlotte for the "wonderful" care. Memorial services will be held Monday, November 29, 2010 - 11:00 a.m. at the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 214 W. Ottawa St., Lansing, MI 48933, with Rev. Dr. Gordon F. Weller officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Peters & Murray Funeral Home in Grand Ledge. For those wishing, contributions can be made to Eaton Community Hospice or St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Online condolences may be made at www.petersandmurrayfuneralhome.com.