William Frank Steinkamp

1945 - 2024

William F. Steinkamp

Born July 16, 1945 - Rested November 11, 2024

William F. Steinkamp a devoted husband, son, friend, veteran, father, grandfather, and father-in-law took his final breath sat 11:11am on November 11, 2024.

Bill was adopted at birth by Frank and Michelina Steinkamp, who gave him a loving home. With a German father and an albino Italian mother, his childhood was unique and full of character. Times weren't always easy, but as a family, they thrived.

Born at the end of one war, Bill chose to serve in another. He joined the U.S. Air Force, following the example of his father, Frank, who had served as a civilian during World War II. That sense of duty and service to his country stayed with him throughout his life.

Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, his time in the service took him around the US and eventually to Neah Bay, Washington, where he met a fiery young woman named Kathleen. Together, they built a life in Alaska while he served, protecting the nation. They welcomed a daughter, Kimberly, before moving back to Omaha after his service ended. While in Omaha, they then welcomed a son, Bill Junior.

Bill began a new chapter as a peace officer, working hard while going back to school for law enforcement. His dedication and leadership led him to become a police chief. After parting ways with Kathy, he married Rosemary (Hansen) Steinkamp, and together they built a full and meaningful life.

He went on to manage airports in Omaha, Lehigh Valley, and Rhode Island, where his professionalism and innovation made a lasting impact. He met presidents, vice presidents, their spouses, and even celebrities - Elvis among them! His son Bill still talks about the time he got to meet Hulk Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and "Leaping" Lanny Poffo.

During his leadership in airport safety, his team was the first to implement full-body scans in an airport and even helped write the book on airport safety after 9/11 at T.F. Green Airport. He took great pride in his work and the lives he touched along the way.

In his later years, he moved back to Washington to be near his grandchildren - the role he cherished most of all. In Washington, Bill found peace and purpose in being close to his family. He loved spending time with his grandkids - teaching them, teasing them, and watching them grow. He wasn't just "Grandpa"; he was their hero, their storyteller, their steady hand.

He had a sharp wit and a big laugh. He could tell a story like no one else - usually with a twinkle in his eye and a lesson tucked inside. He loved a good cup of coffee, a quiet drive whether in his RV, or his restored 68 Firebird. He was a man who noticed the little things: a clean uniform, a job done right, the value of showing up for others.

In 2019, through a 23andMe DNA test, Bill discovered the names of family members he had been searching for many years. He reached out to a man who turned out to be his nephew and, through their conversations, confirmed what he had long been told about his birth father. Although his birth father had passed away several years earlier, Bill was deeply moved to learn that he had two half-sisters and a brother on his father's side. Later that year, he traveled to Idaho to meet his newfound family and cherished the time they shared. During those visits, he was also able to meet nearly all of his nieces and nephews, creating memories that meant a great deal to him and to his newfound family members. Bill's time with his newfound family was brief, but he made a lasting impact and created memories that will not be forgotten. He was able to make a couple of trips before his health began to decline and was grateful to have made those visits when he did, as one of his sisters passed away in 2020.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary, his son Bill (Sharece) and his grandchildren Makenna, Lucas and Lucy of Bellingham, WA. In addition, his newfound family of sister, Shirley Bowman of Preston; his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Jeri Lynn Bowman of Preston; and his nieces and nephews: Todd Goodsell, Wendy (Mike) Farr, Christine Izatt, Troy (Holly) Goodsell, and Julie Monson-all of Utah-and Russell (Serena) Bowman and Becky (Mike) Morrison of Preston. He is also survived by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Michelina, his daughter Kimberly and his biological father, Glen Bowman, and his sister, Sandra Bowman Goodsell.

Bill's life was full - of challenges faced, people helped, and memories made. He leaves behind not just a family who loved him deeply, but a legacy of integrity, courage, and kindness that will continue to guide us all. He taught us that strength doesn't come from rank or title - it comes from love, laughter, and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

We will miss him every day, but we are so grateful for the time we had. His stories, his laughter, and his lessons will live on in all of us.

Rest easy, Dad. You did good.