In loving memory of

Francis "Frank" Verkamp
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Francis ?Frank? John Verkamp, 72, passed on peacefully to the Lord on June 19, 2007, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born January 28, 1935, in Huntingburg, IN to the late John and Wilhelmina (Schipp) Verkamp. He is survived by all of his siblings, Sister Mary Aquin, Robert, Virlee Kreilein, Bernard, Gilbert and Sister Mary Ann. In 1959, Frank married his ?dream girl?, Ethna Cunningham, from Dublin, Ireland. Frank was a devoted father to this three children, Eileen Meulbroek (Tom), Karen Wurster (Rick) and Kevin Verkamp. Frank was a proud grandfather of 9 grandchildren, James, Eamon, Patrick, Anya, Anna Marie, Michael, William and Maggie. Frank was preceded in death by granddaughter, Katherine Grace.

Frank graduated from Huntingburg High School in 1953 and from Purdue University Mechanical Engineering School in 1957. He started his career in the Research Department at Allison Engine Division of General Motors Corporation. During his career at Allison, he worked in various management positions in Engineering, Sales, Contracts, Public Relations and Government Affairs. Frank retired in 1998 as Executive Vice President of Allison Engine Company, Rolls Royce. During his Allison career he participated in winning many aircraft engine programs, and was most proud of his role in securing the engine contract for the Osprey V-22.

Frank was also active in various entrepreneurial business and civic activities. In 1976, Frank was co-founder of Verco Engineering, Inc., where he continued to serve as Chairman of the Board. Verco implemented fuel conservation programs for cities throughout the United States. Frank was co-founder of the St. Michael?s chapter of St. Vincent de Paul Society and served as the Allison Chairman for the United Way Fund. Mayor Stephen Goldsmith appointed Frank to serve on the city?s Air Pollution Control Board and the Naval Air Warfare Center Reuse Planning Authority Board. In 1984, Purdue University awarded Frank the Distinguished Engineering Alumni award. In 1990, Frank received the CIA Service award.

A catholic mass celebrating Frank?s life will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 22 at St. Monica Catholic Church. At Frank?s request, there will be no scheduled visitation. In lieu of flowers, he requested that contributions be made to your favorite charity or to St. Vincent de Paul Society, P.O. Box 19133, Indianapolis, IN 46219. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel 740 E. 86th Street Indianapolis, IN. You may visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may sign the online register, leave a personal message or make a memorial contribution.

Tributes

Kit Kovacs wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"It was my privilege to have known Frank, even for a short time. He was fortunate to have such a loving family. Best wishes always."

Kelso Family wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Janet Guest wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna and Family,I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of being neighbors all those years ago. Mike and I appreciated the guidance you and Frank gave us as we were young, in our first home and just starting our family. Eileen and Karen were our trusted baby sitters and Kevin was always over entertaining the kids.I pray your faith and your family's strength and love will comfort you. "

David & Louise Owen wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We were very sorry to hear about your loss. We had heard much about you both through my parents the past few years, and feel very fortunate to have met you both just last month at your home. Reading about Frank we can tell he was a very special person. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Tom Rost wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Karen and family, I am very sorry for the loss of your father. Know that as you continue through life, he is always looking down on you, as proud of you as if he were still by your side.Tom "

David and Judy McKim wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am truly sorry Frank's family have lost him. In the brief time I spoke with him, Frank glowed with his wit, goodwill, and charm. "

Glen Miles wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I was very saddened to hear of Frank's passing. I first met Frank in 1957 when he was a new engineer at Allison and I was a summer employee. After my graduation, we both worked in the combustion group together. Later Frank became my supervisor and afterward was combustion department head. Even after Frank rose to higher levels of management I "

Glen Miles wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I was very saddened to hear of Frank's passing. I first met Frank in 1957 when he was a new engineer at Allison and I was a summer employee. After my graduation, we both worked in the combustion group together. Later Frank became my supervisor and afterward was combustion department head. Even after Frank rose to higher levels of management I "

Glen Miles wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I was very saddened to hear of Frank's passing. Frank was a close friend and a valued co-worker. I first met him in 1957 when he was a new engineer at Allison and I was a summer employee. After my graduation, we both worked in the combustion group together. Later Frank became my supervisor and afterward was combustion department head. Even after Frank rose to higher levels of management I had occasion to interact with him.My sympathies go to Ethna, others in his family, and his many friends."

Martha Wharton wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I have wonderful memories from the '60s when Frank, "Efma" and baby Eileen were my very kind and helpful upstairs neighbors in the old 'hood. I am so sorry Frank had to leave his loving family."

NYLES E. MYERS wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Frank and I were from the same part of the state, Southern In., belong to the same Fraternity at Purdue. Quiet man but felt his presence. Very studious yet knew how to have good time. My sincere sympathies to Ethna and his fine family. Bud Myers"

The Travers' Family wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Frank graced each of our lives with his kindness, quiet spirit, and great courage. May there be comfort in knowing that he is in heaven and no longer suffering in his physical body. We are confident of this that He who began a good work in Frank carried it through to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Ethna, we will be keeping you and all of your family in our prayers. Love, Jeff, Joan, Justine, Jared, & Jeffrey"

Steve and Diana Cochran wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Eileen, Karen, and Family:We are very sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families."

Steve Fushelberger wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Frank was the reason I came to Allison/Rolls-Royce. He hired me in 1998 and was my first boss there. His demeanor, integrity, drive, and determination set standards for which I strived, and which I still endeavor to meet on a daily basis. He has my unending gratitude and admiration, and he will be sorely missed."

Fred Brames wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ethna/kids, Franks brothers and sister: Herm, Dan, Arnie and I are saddened to know of Frank's passing. We remember well visiting with and enjoying our Verkamp cousins many times when we were younger. All of you are in our prayers. Will see you tomorrow at the funeral mass."

Denny & Elaine (JT & Leszlie) wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Earest Ethna, Eileen, Karen and Kevin;Our time has been cut short. We shall miss him. We have our memories and pray they will be enough! Holding you all in the Light as you adjust to a new normal. What a friend he was!!"

Lee and Jerry Tomlinson wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna, We were sorry to hear about Frank' passing. We will always remember the good times we had wth you and Frank. We extend our condolences to you and the family. Love, Lee and Jerry "

Jim Duke wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna, My condolences to you and your family. I'm in Wisconsin for the summer so I can't attend the Mass, but my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Some of my fondest work memories are the times I had with Frank and Dick Duzan. Really great people. You can be proud. I know I can't say anything to comfort you at this time, but believe me, the good memories will sustain you when things look the darkest; and you will discover more friends than you ever knew you had. Good luck, happy memories and my very best wishes."

Larry and Cathy Banks wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna and Family,Please accept our deepest condolences."

Fred & Susie Brames wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Susie and I offer our condolences. Although we saw each other infrequently at family reunions we enjoyed our visits, particularly Ethna's descriptions of the ways in which she tried to change Frank's rigid German ways of doing things. My wife is of Irish heritage and I am German so her descriptions were similar to ours. All the Verkamps are in our prayers."

Arnie Brames wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ethna and family: Our sympathies to you and your family. We will say a prayer for Frank at the Special Intentions at Sunday Mass.Frank was a kind and gentle cousin who was always interested in our family. My memories are of our family's visits to the Verkamps for Friday or Saturday night "sheephead" games or Sunday afternoon visits. Even though there was an age difference between Frank and me, he always inquired about our family and our activities.As they say, "A life well lived." I regret his passing but we all are better for his life.Arnie Brames "

Ike and Bert Batic wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Thinking of you and yours and remembering the fun times we enjoyed being with you. If we can be of assistance to you and your family, we are a phone call away. With Love, Peace, and PrayersIke and Bert Batic"

Joe and Susan DiMicco wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Frank and Ethna were our valued neighbors for a number of years. We are shocked and saddened by Frank's passing and extend our sincerest sympathies to Ethna and the rest of his family. "

Elmer Brames wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ethna: Our condolences to you and all of your family. Although Francis was one of my "

Bob & Ellen Koch wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ethna and Family,We miissed signing the book at the service and had only brief contact later, but we do want to offer our sincere condolences for your loss.As you know Frank and I go back to about 1958 or maybe earlier at Allison and when I moved to the fabled Meadows apartments in 1959 Frank and his friends lived directly across the hall. In 1960 I met Ellen so she too has been privilege to the memories over the years with you and Frank.I was at your wedding reception at the Issac Walton Hall (I believe). What a party!There were other memories including the Poiio vaccine innoculations there in the Meadow's apartment. Through the years the parties, and particularly your Irish parties with the girls dancing, and your and Frank's participation at our annual Christmas tree trim party leave fond memories. I didn't work too much with Frank at Allison, but when I did it was always a pleasure. He was always around and always approachable whether for business or simply a "hi."I know we can't say anything that will soften your loss, but be assured we share it in some way. Again, our condolences.Bob & Ellen"

John & Susan Rathman wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna,Our deepest condolences to you and to your family for your loss. Although I did not work directly for Frank at Allison/Rolls-Royce, I did so indirectly for nearly 40 years, and one particular event involving him stands out in my mind; Frank was instrumental in securing the release of the family of an employee from a refugee camp in Malaysia after they had escaped Viet Nam via boat. They were being held indefinitely in spite of efforts put forth by the employee and others at Allison. So we went to Frank for help, and through his considerable influence and intervention, the family was allowed to join their son here in Indianapolis. Since that time, all have become US citizens. Frank's kindness changed the lives of these people for the better, and for that they will be forever grateful. We are so saddened by the loss Frank.John and Susan Rathman"

Colin & Louise Green wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna,We were so sorry to hear the news (Al Novick kindly called). Frank was a consummate professional and a true friend to me at Allison as well as welcoming me into your home and family. Louise joins me in sending you sincere condolences. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. May God be with you.Colin "

Jerry and Kay Smith wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dearest Ethna and Family, We just learned of Frank's death and wanted to express our love and sympathy. We have wonderful memories of our early years as young married couples and all the many fun times we spent together, the great St. Patricks' Day parties and weddings of your children. Frank was a unique person with his dry sense of humor, quiet wisdom and intelligence. I don't remember him saying an unkind word about anyone. Sending our love and prayers. Jerry and Kay "

Nick & Helen Schmutte wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Two of the many good memories we have of Frank are getting Helen hired by Allison during a hiring freeze on clerical (his Teutonic stubbornness overcame the bureauocracy), and the time Nick met with him after we started dating to see if there would be a problem (we worked in the same department). His basso-profundo reply was that he saw no problem so long as she did not work for Nick. Frank and Ethna came to our wedding.Know that Frank had a positive influence on us and on most of those he came in contact with."

Pat & Joe Toth wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ethna: Joe and I are deeply saddened to hear of Frank's passing. Our prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you."

Anita and Barry New wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna and family:We are deeply saddened by the news of your loss and offer you our sincerest condolences.My memories of Frank go back over 30 years to when we lived in Carmel and I worked as a member of the Rolls-Royce TF41 engineering team at Plant 8. Subsequently our paths crossed on numerous occasions even though we relocated to Northern Virginia in 1977 and we worked very closely together in the years prior to his retirement in 1998. I will always remember him as the consummate gentlemen and a great friend.Anita and I pray that the Lord gives you the strength to bear your loss and that the knowledge that your many friends our thinking of you provides some comfort at this very difficult time."

Elizabeth Weber wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Ethna and Family,My deepest condolences on your loss. Frank was a wonderful gentleman. I was saddened to hear of his passing, but warmed by the thought of how much he contributed. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. I had the privilege of working with him many years and always felt a bit in awe of what he could accomplish and his rare ability to bring out the best in others. Frank will be warmly remembered and deeply missed."

Jeff and Carla Miles wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I worked for Frank in the Washington office. He was a superb mentor and friend. We will miss him and his sense of humor. He was a leader.You are in our prayers.Jeff and Carla Miles "

Tom & Louise Brames wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We are sorry to hear about Frank passing away. We will keep Frank, you, and your family in our prayers."

Darragh Cunningham wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

""Uncle" Frank, as I have known him since I was a baby will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies. Love Darragh!"

ELIZABETH BETSY SPENCER wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"This message of remembrance was sent to our Rolls-Royce Corporation Family on June 21, 2007, by our COO Mr. Steve Dwyer.Remembering Frank VerkampAs many of you know, we lost Frank Verkamp early this week. Frank was one of the real champions of the Indianapolis site for many years.His incredible career and lasting impact on our business will never be forgotten. The company has made arrangements to provide a donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Frank"

John Sandford wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Subject: Verkamp, Francis J.Al; (e-mail to Al Novick) I was saddened and shocked to learn of Frank's passing. Although I only knew Frank for a relatively short period time he was a person I grew to appreciate the man, his skills, wisdom and warmness to others. I was especially touched when he asked me to MC that retirement gathering. The memories will last. Stay well. john s"

DONNIE & LISA SMITH wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My family had the privilage of getting to know Frank because he helped make a little boys dream come true. He was truley a gift sent from god to my family and he also made us feel like we were a part of his. He will truley be a very missed man. and my heart goes out to his entir family . I am so very sorry for your loss. Cody Smith and family"

Anya VerKamp wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Frank Verkamp is such a wonderful man. We all miss you Papa. "

Lesley Townsend wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Ethna, We have been thinking of you and your great loss these past weeks. May God be with you. Love Lesley John & Sean."