John "Jack" Westerkamp

1947 - 2013

Funeral services for John "Jack" Westerkamp, age 65, of New Market, who entered into peace Wednesday, Jan. 23 at his residence in New Market, were held 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 28 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Andrew Rubenking officiating. Visitation with the family was held 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 27 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda. Burial was in the Memory Cemetery, New Market. Memorials may be given in his name. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda.

Jack Westerkamp, age 65, died peacefully and comfortably on the morning of Jan. 23 surrounded by his family in New Market. John "Jack" William Westerkamp was born the oldest of five children on Nov. 6, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to John Westerkamp and Mary Ellen (Herdegen) Westerkamp, brother to Mary Ann, Thomas, Diane, and Julie. He is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Rebekah.

Jack grew up in Chicago, Illinois with his family. He met his wife, Laurel and proposed to her in front of the fountain in a crowded mall. They were united in marriage June 7, 1986. They settled in Davenport and started a family of four children: Lindsay, Steven, Peter and Rebekah.

Jack had always been a family man and was a provider in every sense of the word. He was committed to doing whatever it took to take care of his family, working a variety of jobs (often at the same time) including among others, youth counselor, shoe stockboy, car salesman, school bus driver, church janitor and factory lineman. Some of the kids memories of Jack include him going on little or no sleep after working third shift so that he could attend their athletic events or recitals before returning to work.

Jack truly was a hero to many, and passed on the characteristics of intense work ethic, passion, empathy, determination and faithfulness to his children and inspired the same in his friends and neighbors. He never complained regardless of the hardships he was facing or the staggering tasks that lay ahead of him. Having lived a life putting God and family above all, Jack passed away embraced in the loving presence of his wife and kids.