Richard A. "Dick" Burkamper

Richard A. “Dick” B urkamper, 75, a resident of LeClaire, Iowa died at his home on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 surrounded by his beloved family.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 13, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church, 9414 228th St. North in Port Byron, Illinois. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire, Iowa where military honors will be conducted. Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday at the McGinnis - Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf, Iowa and one hour before services Saturday at the church. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.
Dick Burkamper was born Dec. 21st, 1932 to Ray and Viola (Kruse) Burkamper in Princeton, IA. He was born and raised and spent his entire life in the Princeton/Le Claire area, with the exception of 4 years in the US Navy from 1952- 1956. While in the Navy he specialized in Jet engines in Petucson, Maryland at the River Air Test Center. He then transferred to Air Group USS Coral Sea Aircraft Carrier.
Dick has three children, Susan, Juli, and Rick. In 1982 he met Ida Marie Alber and they were married in l984.
Over the many years he led an active life. Among some of his many enjoyments were boating, camping, motorcycle riding, bowling, champion arm wrestler, boxing, race car driving and of course Budweiser.
Dick was a LeClaire Volunteer Fireman, a member and past-Commander of the Buffalo Bill American Legion Post, a 32nd degree Mason where he served as Worshipful Master. He was also a member of the Scott County Sheriff’s Posse, the First United Methodist Church of Port Byron where he was an avid choir member. Two of his best friends were his dogs Bundi and Baxter.
He worked at Sivyer Steel in Bettendorf as a Press Operator for 45 years and then continued on training others for another 5 years.
Dick is survived by his “Forever” wife, Ida Marie; daughters Susan Williams-Edstrand, Le Claire, IA and Juli Burkamper (Susanne Michaud), Seattle, WA;son Rick Burkamper (Laura), Bettendorf, IA; step-daughter, Beth Petersen, Prophetstown, IL; stepsons Paul Petersen (Gwen Scott), Prophetstown, IL and Corey Petersen (Lorrie), Kirkland,WA; grandchildren, Alex & Kaitlyn Burkamper, Skyler & Hannah Petersen, and Dillon and Brayden Petersen; sister Beverly Beuse, Le Claire, IA; sister Joyce Gass (Wayne), Princeton, IA. brothers-in-law Richard Workman (Sandi), FL, & Randy Workman (Michelle), IL; a close cousin, Bud Fickel, Princeton, IA; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Never forgetting his two long time caring and special friends, Paul Jiminez and Charlie Mackin.
Proceeding Dick in death were his parents, Ray & Viola, several Aunts, Uncles and cousins, a special Uncle, Lloyd Kruse, a favorite cousin, Mary Jane Fickel and his long time friend and dear brother-in-law, Donald Beuse. And of course his “special” nephew, “Little” Randy Workman.
Memorials can be made to the family.