David F. Rehkemper

1944 - 2010

David Rehkemper

Well-known Highland businessman David F. Rehkemper, 65, of Highland, Ill., died Friday, May 7, 2010, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland.

He was born July 24, 1944 in St. Rose Township, Breese, Ill., to August and Bernetta, nee Ketterer, Rehkemper. On May 1, 1965, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, he married Monica I. Potthast, who survives.

He attended St. Rose Elementary School and Mater Dei High School, graduating in 1962. After graduation, he worked as a carpenter for Ralph Korte Construction Co. and for Aviston Lumber Company. He served in the U. S. Army Reserve and later became a barber at Ozzie's Barbershop in Highland, Ill.

In 1968, he partnered with Ed Moenster and Clinton Rogier to form Tri Ford Inc. They opened for business in 1969 and rapidly grew it into one of the largest businesses in Highland, Ill. He purchased Rogier's interest in 1978, and then Moenster's interest 18 years later, in 2006, when he became the sole proprietor.

They expanded by purchasing the Alhambra car dealership and added the Mercury line in 1984. They changed the name to Tri Ford Mercury at that time. They purchased the Staunton car dealership in 1994. Both of those locations were closed in the past four years. He then purchased the Greenville Ford dealership in 2007 and continued to operate in both the Highland and Greenville locations.

Throughout the years, Mr. Rehkemper had received numerous awards from Ford, including the prestigious Ford Chairman's Award several times. He was named the Time Magazine Quality Dealer among Illinois dealers. He was a Ford Dealer Advertising Association member for more than 20 years, serving as the group treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Mr. Rehkemper was dedicated to his family, his business and to his community. He was named the Highland Business Person of the Year by the Highland Chamber of Commerce in 1995 and was an active Chamber member for more than 30 years. He was a charter member of the Highland Area Community Foundation and served many years on the auction committee of the St. Paul Kirchenfest. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, Ill.

Mr. Rehkemper was a past president of the Highland Rotary Club where he achieved perfect attendance awards for nearly two decades. He was also named a Paul Harris Fellow of that organization. He served on the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, the St. Joseph's Hospital Advisory Board and the St. Joseph's Hospital Administration Board for many years.

He served on the River Bluffs Girl Scout Council and the Trails West Boy Scout Council for more than 10 years. He served on the Highland Community Schools Advisory Council and was involved personally or professionally with several Highland community organizations.

Mr. Rehkemper had traveled to China, the British Isles and extensively through Ford Motor Company trips. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and playing golf. He enjoyed working with people at his dealership, where he had a reputation for being a fair, honest and friendly merchant and employer.

Other survivors include a daughter, Jenae A. (Shawn) O'Neil of Itasca, Ill.; a son, Eric D. (Janean) Rehkemper of Highland, Ill.; granddaughter and grandson,, Cori A. Rehkemper and Braden E. Rehkemper, both of Highland, Ill.; sisters, Betty J. (Cornelius "Dick") Richter of Aviston, Ill., and Janet C. (Donald) Huelsmann of Highland, Ill.; and sister-in-law, Darlene A. Rehkemper of Highland, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rich, who died Dec. 18, 2004; and his granddaughter, Amanda Lynn Rehkemper, who died Aug. 21, 1989.

Memorials may be made to the Highland Area Christian Service Ministry (food pantry), Holy Cross Mission/Father Richard Potthast or to the charity of the donor's choice. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family by visiting www.spengel-boulanger.com or by email at condolences@spengel-boulanger.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2010, and from 7 to 9:30 a.m. on May 11, 2010, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on May 11, 2010, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, Ill., with the Rev. Charles A. Edwards, pastor, and the Rev David L. Peters co-officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, Ill.

SPENGEL-BOULANGER FUNERAL HOME, Highland, Ill.