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BORN
1930
DIED
2022
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Gilbert Kulenkamp Obituary
November 15, 1930 - December 15, 2022
Peoria, Illinois - Gilbert "Jack" Kulenkamp, 92, of Peoria, formerly of Granite City, IL, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2022.
He was born on November 15, 1930 in Shipman, IL, to Gilbert and Evaline (Denby) Kulenkamp. Jack married Catherine Kleinschmidt, the love of his life, on May 10, 1952. They had celebrated 69 years of marriage. Catherine preceded him in death on January 1, 2022. He was also preceded by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Maude and Bill Stethem, and his beautiful granddaughter, Kara Gaye Kulenkamp.
Surviving Jack are his children, Ron (Gaye) Kulenkamp and Linda (Mark) Joseph of Peoria; brother-in-law, Earl (Cecelia) Kleinschmidt of Granite City, IL; grandchildren: Matt Kulenkamp of Reno, NV, Katherine (Jacob) Schoonover of Jonesboro, AR, Tom (Laura) Joseph of Peoria, and Kristina (Jacob) Rockhold of Fuquay Varina, NC; and two great grandchildren, Jackson and Kenley Schoonover and another one due in May.
Jack entered the United States Marine Corps in 1951 shortly after his graduation from Granite City High School and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was a proud member of the fraternal organization of Masons Granite City Lodge #877 and attained titles of Master Counselor, Degree of Chevalier, and Legion of Honor while with DeMolay.
He began a career in the insurance industry with Metropolitan Life in 1959. Over the years he became an extremely successful and respected agent and sales manager, retiring from Lincoln National in 1993. During that time, he served as President of the Peoria Life Underwriter Chapter and Central Illinois Chapter of CLU and CHFC.
Jack was well known for his ability to fix anything and the pride he took in maintaining his Lincoln Town Cars. He was most proud of his family and rarely missed an event that involved his children or grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the Irwin Chapel (3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, IL 62040) at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church (2160 Delmar Avenue, Granite City, IL 62040).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Kulenkamp
Sponsored by Belleville News-Democrat.
1 Entry
Margaret and John Hopkins
January 31, 2023
Dear Ron, Linda and family, Please accept our condolences upon the passing of your father. We so wanted to attend his memorial service a couple of weeks ago but we ended up with a babysitting commitment at the last minute. Let me reintroduce myself, I am Margaret Hopkins. We lived at 2209 Delmar next to your wonderful grandfather, Mr. Kulencamp. While living there we also became acquainted with your mother, father and your Aunt Maude. They are are lovely people and were wonderful caregivers to your grandfather. After his passing I received the most thoughtful letter from your father thanking us for being attentive neighbors. I treasured that note and infact about a year and a half ago came across it, found your fathers phone number and called him. At that time he told me that your mother was in a care facility and he was still in their home. I treasure the many memories we have while living next to your grandfather and getting to know your parents. You were blessed with such wonderful parents. You certainly had a difficult year with losing both of them. I pray that you and yours find comfort in your many wonderful memories, that you feel the love of family and friends that surround you at this sad time and that your faith sustains you. Sincerely, Margaret and John Hopkins, 1014 Henry Street, Alton, Il
618-570-8804
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