Arline Burkamper

Arline Burkamper, 85, of LeClaire, Iowa completed her earthly duties Wednesday evening August 8th. A baptismal service for her two youngest great-grandchildren was held in her home that evening and she was surrounded by love, laughter and God’s presence.
The family will visit with friends from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, August 10, 2007 at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf. Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire at 10:30 A.M. Saturday preceded by visitation from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire.
She was born May 20, 1922 in Davenport, Iowa to Edgar and Christine (Madsen) Rinebold. Since her dad was employed by the Davenport Country Club, her summers were spent swimming and golfing, two things she enjoyed doing but put on hold when she married Elmer Burkamper in LaGrange, Missouri on January 3, 1942. Being a wife, mother and farm lady left little room for swimming pools and golf courses. After the death of her husband in 1979, she again had time for those activities as well as many others.
Arline was a member of First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire where she served as a deacon. She was also a long-time member and office holder of the former LeClaire Civic Club, a member of the “Bunko Club”, the LeClaire Cemetery Association and many other groups and clubs.
She loved (and was loved by) her family and always, always was ready to help them, encourage them, laugh with them, cry with them and be their solid rock upon which to lean. “No I can’t,” were words that rarely, if ever, crossed her lips.
In a journal, she was asked to keep under “What I most want to be remembered for,” she wrote, “Being a good mom. One who was enjoyed by her kids and grandkids and not too big a pain or problem for them. I hope I have been helpful and a friend to others. I have always tried to make the best of things and to look on the bright side.” She fulfilled those wishes.
She will be missed by her son, Gary Burkamper & his wife, Elaine of LeClaire; daughter, Carol Sorensen & her husband, Bob, also of LeClaire; grandchildren, Dave & Dorea Burkamper of Schueyville, Iowa, Mary Ann Burkamper of Tiffin, Iowa, Michele & Joe Dworak of West Des Moines, Iowa and Amy & Tom Griffin of LeClaire. Also great-grandchildren, Nicholas & Lucas Burkamper, Tyler & Emily Dworak and Katrina, Thomas & Anna Griffin.
She will be greeted in heaven by her husband, Elmer; her parents, Ed & Christine; her grandson, Andrew Dale Burkamper; her special friend & mentor, Maxine Spinsby; and many wonderful friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire or to Camp Courageous.