Charles Barenkamp

BELLEVILLE, Ill. -- Charles J. Barenkamp, 81, of Belleville passed away Monday, March 29, 2010, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

He was born Sept. 25, 1928, in Cape Girardeau, son of Aloysius and Lucy Wulfers Barenkamp.

Mr. Barenkamp served in the Marines and Air Force.

He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. after 36 years of dedicated service. Charles was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Belleville, Knights of Columbus in Cape Girardeau, Moose Lodge in Belleville and Telephone Pioneers Club.

Charles enjoyed spending time with family and friends throughout his life. He was an avid tennis player and was a finalist in the National Senior Olympics. Mr. Barenkamp was a long-distance bicyclist in his younger years, as well as a finalist in the Silver Skates at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Norma J. Barringer Barenkamp; four children, Mary Ann (James) Hovis of Swansea, Ill., James (fiancee Connie Lisch) Barenkamp of Shiloh, Ill., John Barenkamp of Belleville, Jeanne Schumm of Webster Groves, Mo.; a granddaughter, Katie Hovis; a sister, Mary Lou (James) Campbell of Overland, Mo.; mother-in-law, Arlinda McElreath of Cape Girardeau; and many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. McEvilly officiating. Interment will be in the funeral home cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Belleville.