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Ray N. Telkamp Spearfish, SD QCWA # 29675 Chapter 102 |
Ray Neal Telkamp, 78, died Thursday, April 26, 2012, at his home after a valiant decade-long travail with cancer.
Funeral services are at 11 am Friday, May 4, at the Spearfish United Methodist Church. Visitation is from 4 - 6 pm Thursday at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Spearfish Veterans Monument. Burial is at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Born Dec. 7, 1933, at Brookings. He was the son of Albert Harm and Thelma (Tifft) Telkamp. Ray attended Trenton Township School through the eighth-grade and then Brookings High School, graduating in 1952. During high school, he was active in FFA, track and football, proud of being the smallest starting guard his junior and senior years in the ESD.
He attended SDSU for a year. He then enlisted in the United States Army. Ray returned to Brookings, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in agriculture. He taught at New Rockford, ND, New Underwood and Pine Ridge, teaching math, science, and agriculture. He was an FFA adviser. In 1962, he joined the FHA and was dedicated to serving his clientele, many remaining friends long after his government career was finished. His work took him to offices in Winner, White River, Buffalo, Bison, and Belle Fourche. He retired in 1994 with more than 32 years of government service.
Ray enjoyed life. Ray loved his family, sharing his presence and time while helping with chores, relishing their company at meals, or savoring outdoor activities. He could recount first hunts with his father, sons, and grandsons. Receiving his amateur radio (ham) license in 1973, Ray continued this hobby the rest of his life and earned his Extra Class license. He loved a QSO (conversation) with people around world as well as his Hills friends. He was a member of the ARRL and the QCWA.
Willing to lend a hand, Ray served the various communities in which he lived. He was a fireman, an EMT, an ambulance driver, and a school board member.
He also assisted NARFE serving as chapter treasurer, district legislative representative, and state treasurer and first vice president. Always up for a visit, coffee klatch enlivened his days in retirement and enriched friendships.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Darlene of Spearfish; three sons are Lee (Kristin) of Johnstown, Colo., Scott (Carolyn) of Gillette, Wyo.; and Christopher (Marni) of Centennial, Colo.; a daughter is Betty (Daniel) McKellar of Hillsdale, NJ.; nine grandchildren; his 'Mom' Betty Telkamp who joined the family in 1950; two brothers, Norman of Mitchell and Douglas (Teresa) of Colman; three sisters-in-law, Ethel (Marvin) Telkamp, Shirley (Bill) Povandra and Geraldine (Rex) Keller and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Marvin (Jack), Kenneth, Keith and brother-in-law, Bill.