Scott Herbert Steinkamp

Scott Herbert Steinkamp

Born: August 28, 1965; in Redbud

Died: March 11, 2008



LAKE BARRINGTON - After a brave battle with cancer, Scott Herbert Steinkamp, 42, died Tuesday, March 11, 2008.

The oldest of three boys, he was born Aug. 28, 1965, in Redbud and spent his early years in Decatur and Stonington, where he graduated from Stonington High School in 1983.

He received his B.A. and MBA in accounting from Eastern Illinois University and was a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He was a certified public accountant and worked for Jim Beam Industries and the White Hen Corp. before finding his professional niche as an accounting professor, ultimately teaching at the College of Lake County.

He settled in Chicago and then Barrington with his partner, Timothy Barnett. With an insatiable curiosity and unlimited energy, he spent his time running and playing sports, learning German and the fiddle, and traveling, especially to Europe so that he could soak up the cultures of his ancestors. He loved many things: country music, animals, nature, gardening, pinochle games with his family, beach volleyball, and games of washers on the sidewalks of Chicago.

He wanted to learn and to live every day, and he kept this attitude long after he was diagnosed with cancer. He inspired his friends with the energy he brought to life, and his wit and love of fun brought out the best in others. It felt good to be around him.

His greatest pride came from his son, Tyler, whose sweetness, intelligence and genuineness reflect many of Scott's finest qualities. He treasured time with Tyler and with his nieces and nephew, and some of the best moments of his life were spent playing with them and helping them grow. He also was the linchpin for his family, the one who planned family gatherings and trips; the one who made sure that the family not only got together, but also that everyone - young and old - had fun. He had a genius for inventing games and a love for making his family happy. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by many who loved him, including his son, Tyler Barnett Steinkamp; his partner, Timothy Barnett; his parents, Herbert and Marilyn Steinkamp; and his brothers, Matt and Randy Steinkamp. He also is survived by his sisters-in-law, Tamara and Tammy Steinkamp; his nieces, Lauren, Haley and Bailey Steinkamp; and his nephew, Trey Steinkamp.

He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Herbert and Edna Steinkamp of Stone Church, and Rudolph and Alice Schwengels of Nashville, Ill.

The visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 14, at Windridge Funeral Home, 104 High Road, Cary. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 15, at Cary United Methodist Church, 500 N. First St., Cary. Burial will follow in Windridge Cemetery in Cary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the University of Chicago Brain Tumor Center, RE: Scott Steinkamp, c/o Jean Arzbaecher, 5841 S. Maryland, Room J341, Chicago, IL 60637.

For information, call Windridge Funeral Home at 847-639-2191.

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