Obituary of Albert Trenkamp

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Albert W. Trenkamp, age 92, died suddenly January 25^th at his century farm home in Dyersville.  He was born on February 1, 1926, son of August & Rosa C. (Steffen) Trenkamp at his family farm, where he lived for nearly 93 years.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 pm Monday, January 28, 2019, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12^th Ave SW in Dyersville where an American Legion/VFW Service will be held at 7 pm.  Visitation will continue from 9-10 am Tuesday, January 29^th  at the funeral home prior to funeral services. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery where American Legion Post 137 and VFW Post 7736 will accord military Honors.  Rev. Dennis Conway will officiate.

He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1734, Dyersville American Legion Post 137, Edward W. Lake V.F.W. Post 7736, and St. Francis Xavier Basilica.  Albert was a veteran of the Korean War from January 1951 – October 1952, where he served on the front lines.  He was on the honor flight on September 9, 2012, with Joyce as chaperone.

He served as a board member at the Farmers Shipping Association for 51 years, 35 of those years as president.  He also served on the board of directors of Dyersville National Bank.

He married Kathleen (Clemen) Wedewer on August 9, 1974.  He “hit the jackpot” that day when he began his family with seven kids.  In his many years of farming he took pride in Brown Swiss milk cows, Boar Power hogs, Pioneer seed corn, and John Deere tractors.  He spent time with his Trenkamp nephews restoring tractors.  He enjoyed traveling with his family, chaperoning WDHS band trips, playing black jack at the casino, attending his grandchildren’s ballgames, family bus trips to Cubs games in Milwaukee, and campfires in the woods.  

In his later years, he enjoyed his daily visits with friends at Farmers Shipping Association.  He appreciated his family’s gentle care and said often, “you will be rewarded for that some day!”  His greatest pleasure was time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are his loving wife, Kathleen (Clemen Wedewer), children Donnie Wedewer of Earlville, Janet (Marty) Berger, Randy (Beth) Wedewer, Joyce (Dan “Jigger”) McDermott, Karen (Dave) Koss, Connie (Larry “Rocky”) Connolly, and Lisa (Tony) Kramer, all of Epworth, 19 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren; in-laws: Sally Trenkamp of Dyersville, Francis (Janet) Fangman of Dubuque, Eddie Clemen of New Vienna, Roger (Jane) Clemen, LaVonne Clemen, Virginia Juran, all of Holy Cross, Madonna (John) Weimerskirch of St. Catherine, Mary Clemen of Suffolk, VA and Grace Clemen of Dubuque.

Deceased are his parents, August and Rosa C. Trenkamp, father-in-law and mother-in-law Leonard and Frances Clemen, siblings: Frank, Eddie, Elmer in infancy, Ralph, Hilda (Ray) Vorwald, Mary Trenkamp, Emma Trenkamp and Esther Fangman; in-laws: Leon Clemen, Ambrose Clemen, Cletus Clemen, Bill Juran and Rosie Clemen.

Thank you to Bi-County ambulance service and MercyOne Dyersville emergency staff.