Holtkamp, Robert Ernest 1927-2012

HOLTKAMP, PIEPER, WILCOX, SCHIERBROOK, NICHTING

Posted By: Ruth Maring - VOLUNTEER
Date: 4/19/2012 at 16:55:25

Robert Ernest Holtkamp, 85, of Clinton passed away peacefully at Mercy Living Center on April 1st, 2012. Cremation rights have been accorded and a mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 10th, at 11:00 a.m. at Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Church, Clinton, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 9th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Church. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Clinton, Iowa. Lemke Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert was born March 8th, 1927 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Bernard and Cecelia (Pieper) Holtkamp.
Robert served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1945 to 1946 serving as an aircraft mechanic for the elite 416th Night Fighter Squadron in Germany.
Robert returned from the Military Service and initially continued with the established family tradition of farming. He especially enjoyed caring for the family barn which is now listed in the National Register as the "Holtkamp Round Barn" located near Salem, Iowa. In 1970 Robert moved to Clinton and started Holtkamp roofing and eventually retired in 1987 running Holtkamp tree service. Although retired that did not slow Robert down, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 707, a member for Prince of Peace Church and was always available to help a friend or neighbor out.
Robert is survived by his son Bernard (Donna) Holtkamp of Clinton, IA; two granddaughters - Danica (Mark) Wilcox of Cedar Falls, IA; Kendra Holtkamp of Cedar Falls, IA; two sisters - Margaret Schierbrook of West Point, IA., Joan (Sylvan) Nichting of Pilot Grove, IA.; one sister-in-law - Mary Holtkamp of Houghton, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister- Martha, two brothers - Linus and Father Karl Holtkamp.
Memorials can be made to Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Parish or the Knights of Columbus Council 707.