In Memory of William "Bill" Kohnekamp, Sr.
William “Bill” Kohnekamp, Sr., age 79, of Elk Horn, Iowa (formerly of Battle Creek, Iowa) passed away on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the Salem Lutheran Homes of Elk Horn, Iowa.
Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. Rev. Richard C. Merrill will officiate. Committal Services will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery of Battle Creek, Iowa, with Military Rites conducted by the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, Iowa.
A Visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa.
The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com
William Henry “Bill” Kohnekamp, the son of John E. and LuVerne A. (Ewoldt) Kohnekamp, was born on August 29, 1944, in Ute, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Charter Oak, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm near Charter Oak and received his education from Charter Oak High School.
In 1962 Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country during the Vietnam War era. On January 17, 1965, Bill married Jane Littrell. Upon his honorable discharge in September of 1965, the couple moved to Missouri. They were blessed with four children: Cindy, Bill Jr., Michelle and Sarah. Bill was employed in the construction industry and the family moved around a lot during this time. Bill and Jane would later part ways.
The construction trade brought Bill to Ida Grove, Iowa, where he was employed with Godbersen Smith Construction for 20+ years serving as a supervisor until his retirement. Bill was most proud of the bridges his crews helped build in Crawford County and would point these out to his family when they would drive past them. On October 22, 2004, Bill married Corlie Vermeys in Ida Grove and welcomed her three children into the family. The couple made their home in Battle Creek, Iowa.
Spending time with his children and grandchildren brought great joy to Bill. His grandchildren brought a smile to his face. He also enjoyed gardening, sitting outside enjoying nature, and watching NASCAR. Bill was a member of the Maple Valley Post No. 364 of the American Legion of Battle Creek, Iowa. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him.
Left to cherish his memory include his children Cindy (Alfred) LaDuke of Earling, IA, Bill Kohnekamp, Jr. of Elk Horn, IA, Michelle Lima of Denison, IA and Sarah (Buddy) Lyesinger of Ute, IA; stepchildren Ryan (Tess) Vermeys of Spirit Lake, IA, Alicia (Brenton) Watkins of Grimes, IA and Chad (Mindi Terrell) Vermeys of Urbandale, IA; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; brothers Herman (Nancy) Kohnekamp of Kiron, IA and Vernon Kohnekamp of Dow City, IA; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and LuVerne Kohnekamp; wife Corlie Kohnekamp; son-in-law Nick Kragel; granddaughter Tabbitha LaDuke; brother Jerry (Belinda) Kohnekamp; sister Julie (Maurice) Henkleman; and sister-in-law Barb Kohnekamp.
SERVICES
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home
Ida Grove, Iowa
Link to video of funeral service: https://youtu.be/fVQt6pe9juQ
OFFICIATING
Rev. Richard C. Merrill
CASKET BEARERS
Honorary Pallbearers
Bill Henkleman
Jeff Henkleman
Dan Henkleman
Jary Vermeys
Randy Vermeys
Bill Campbell
VISITATION
One-Hour Prior to the Service
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home
Ida Grove, Iowa
MUSIC
Recorded Selections
"Amazing Grace" by Alan Jackson
"Go Rest High On That Mountain" by Vince Gill
"Scars In Heaven" by Casting Crowns
INTERMENT
Mount Hope Cemetery
Battle Creek, Iowa