Ray Neal Telkamp

Ray Neal Telkamp

SPEARFISH - Ray Neal Telkamp, 78, of Spearfish, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2012, at his home after a valiant decade-long travail with cancer.

Born Dec. 7, 1933, at Brookings, S.D., he was the son of Albert Harm and Thelma (Tifft) Telkamp. Ray attended Trenton Township School through the eighth grade and then Brookings High School, graduating in 1952. During high school, he was active in FFA, track and football, proud of being the smallest starting guard his junior and senior years in the ESD.

Attending SDSU for a year, he then enlisted in the United States Army. Ray returned to Brookings graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He taught at New Rockford, N.D., New Underwood, S.D., and Pine Ridge, S.D., teaching math, science and agriculture, his involvement in FFA continuing as an adviser. In 1962, he joined the FHA and was dedicated to serving his clientele, many remaining friends long after his government career was finished. His work took him to offices in Winner, White River, Buffalo, Bison and Belle Fourche. He retired in 1994, with over 32 years of government service.

Ray enjoyed life! Ray loved his family, sharing his presence and time while helping with chores, relishing their company at meals or savoring outdoor activities. Whether hunting, camping or riding on his motorcycle, memories were made and shared. He could recount first hunts with his father, sons and grandsons. Camping meant family fun from fishing to marshmallows to pies. During a trip, rally time or simply a shared afternoon ride up Spearfish Canyon, the Telkampitos were a blessing and made the day.

Receiving his amateur radio (ham) license in 1973, Ray continued this hobby the rest of his life and earned his Extra Class license. He loved a QSO (conversation) with people around the world as well as his Hills friends. Saturday morning breakfasts provided face-to-face time among friends spiced with laughter and conversation. He was a member of the ARRL and the QCWA.

Willing to lend a hand, Ray served the various communities in which he lived. He was a fireman, an EMT, an ambulance driver and a school board member. He also assisted NARFE serving as chapter treasurer, district legislative representative and state treasurer and first vice president. Always up for a visit, coffee klatch enlivened his days in retirement and enriched friendships.

Grateful for sharing his life are his wife of 31 years, Darlene of Spearfish, and four children and their families. The three sons are Lee (Kristin) and grandchildren Jessica, Joe, Simon, Kelby and Henry of Johnstown, Colo.; Scott (Carolyn) and grandson Josh of Gillette, Wyo.; and Christopher (Marni) and grandson Brock of Centennial, Colo.; and his daughter is Betty (Daniel) McKellar and grandchildren Ryan and Maggie of Hillsdale, N.J. He is survived by his "Mom" Betty Telkamp, who joined the family in 1950, and two brothers Norman of Mitchell, S.D., and Douglas (Teresa) of Colman, S.D.; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Ethel (Marvin) Telkamp, Mrs. Shirley (Bill) Povandra, Mrs. Geraldine (Rex) Keller and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to his father in 1994 and mother in 1943, when he was 9 years old, he was preceded in death by brothers, Marvin (Jack), Kenneth, Keith and brother-in-law Bill.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Spearfish United Methodist Church on Friday, May 4, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Spearfish Veterans Monument. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery near Spearfish.

Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.