- 120 North Illinois Street – Belleville, IL 62220
- (618) 233-5400
Arkell Vahlkamp
Mr. Vahlkamp was a retired farmer and a member of the St. Clair County Farm Bureau. He worked at Small’s clothing store in downtown Belleville and later worked for IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation). Arkell was a member of St. Pancratius Catholic Church, Fayetteville, IL. He was a founding member of the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as secretary. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved to travel backroads admiring farms, and was the “high commissioner” of croquet.
Arkell was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Rose, nee McLaughlin, Vahlkamp; two brothers, Harry Vahlkamp Jr. and David F. Vahlkamp; and a daughter-in-law, Stacey Jo, nee Barttelbort, Vahlkamp.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Julia Elizabeth “Betty”, nee Vasquez, Vahlkamp, whom he married on June 5, 1956;
two daughters and two sons, Denise (Darryl) Smith of Franklin, IL,
Bradley (Sheri) Vahlkamp of Freeburg, IL,
Kim (Dennis) Haas of Freeburg, IL,
and Jeff (Kelly) Vahlkamp of Belleville, IL;
12 grandchildren, Wyatt Smith, Lorraine Smith, Patricia (Dennis) Vandermeersch,
Heather (A.J.) Prince, Willie (Kara) Smith,
Carley Vahlkamp, Emily Vahlkamp, Elizabeth Vahlkamp,
Megan Haas, Adam Haas, Grace Vahlkamp, and Arkell J. Vahlkamp;
eight great-grandchildren;
a sister-in-law, Doris Vahlkamp of Bonita Springs, FL;
and two nephews, Mark and David Vahlkamp.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fayetteville Fire Department, to St. Pancratius Catholic Church for improvements to the church, or to St. Pancratius Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 24, 2016, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, January 25, at St. Pancratius Catholic Church, Fayetteville, IL,
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 25, at St. Pancratius Catholic Church, Fayetteville, IL, with Father Paul Wienhoff, Father Elmar Mauer, Msgr. James Blazine, and Father Larry Huber concelebrating. Burial will follow at St. Pancratius Cemetery, Fayetteville, IL.
Condolences Left For Arkell Vahlkamp
Aunt Betty and family. I am truely sorry to hear Uncle Arkell is no longer with us. He was a Great uncle and and had a great sense of humor. I always loved talking to him although he gave me a hard time whenever he had the chance. Uncle Arkell was always fun to be around. He had a great 92 year life and I’m happy he went peacefully. That’s always been my prayer for all.
I’m sorry to say I can’t attend the funeral since I’m in Washington DC for 30 days.
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Arkell will truely be missed.
Love you all
Marcia
Marcia Moore, Freeburg, IL, 62243
Our thoughts and prayers are wih you, Betty, and your family. I know you will miss him…always admired both of you! May he rest in peace.
Edgar & Dora Hummert, Harlingen, Texas, 78552
Dear Betty and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so fortunate to have you in our lives. Arkell was so kind and full of life and stories of the Vahlkamp family. Thank you for sharing your husband, Dad, and Grandpa with us. We love you all!
Mary, Mike and Jenny Piccirilli, St. Louis, Missouri, 63017
It is with deepest sorrow that I am writing to the Valcamp Family. Arlie was a good friend and a wonderful coworker with my Husband and I. So many good times through the years. It’s been some time since we have seen him or Betty and Family. But the memories are just as vivid as always. Please know that we are thinking of your family and pray for your strength through this time of sorrow. With Love, Roy and Patty Loehring
Patricia Loehring, Ofallon,, Illinois, 62269
Jeff and Family, It comes with great sorrow and our deepest sympathy at the loss of your Dad. Our prayers for peace, strength, and understanding are with you and your family. Proverbs 3:5-6.
Kevin Williams , Columbia, IL, 62236
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Think of Vasquez family often
Joe & Jeanette Fruth, Wateroo, Illinois , 62298
Dear Betty and Family:
Sorry we couldn’t make it to the wake. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Arkell was a wonderful person and had a great sense of humor (had to, to be in this family :). We were blessed to know him. Hugs and lots of love.
Sue (Vasquez) May, St. Louis, Missouri, 63031
Betty and family, We were very sorry to hear of Arkell’s passing. Our thought’s and prayers are with you. Please except our sympathy. Sincerely, Mark & Kim Forcade
Mark Forcade, Smithton, IL , 62285
Betty – I just learned of Arkell’s passing. He was a good man and a good friend to my folks while they were living. I know he will be missed by all that knew him and especially by those whose lives he touched. I can’t help but believe that he and Dad have already started causing trouble together, back to their hijinks.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sorrowful time.
Keith Chew, Chatham, IL, 62629