"Linda and family, I just found out that Ron passed this July. I had left a couple of messages on his cell and wondered why I had not heard back. You have my deepest sympathy. I was fortunate that Ron would call me and bring me up to date on Quincy three or four times a year. He always began the call by asking how is my old fishing buddy. He was truly a generous, kind and loving man. His dedication to his family could serve as a role model for us all. I will be sending a donation to his scholarship fund. Please know that I will always consider Ron's friendship one of my most treasured gifts of this life."
In loving memory of
Ronald W. Hinkamper
July 21, 2018
Ronald W. Hinkamper, age 77, of Quincy, died Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 7:49 pm in the arms of the love of his life, Linda, and surrounded by his loving family in his home.
Ronald was born May 9, 1941 in Quincy, Illinois, a son of Russell Raymond and Desty Snyder Hinkamper. He married Linda Beckman on June 29, 1963 at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Quincy. Ron and Linda recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Ron was a 1959 graduate of Notre Dame High School, were he played football for all four years. Ron also attended Northeast Missouri State University (Truman) where he played football as a Bulldog for two years. He received his Associate's degree from John Wood Community College.
Most of Ron's career was spent as a lieutenant fire fighter for the Quincy Fire Department. He was a member of the department from 1969 until 1991. Ron's positions at the department included arson investigator, juvenile fire prevention officer, and public education officer. Ron founded the Quincy Fire Department Explorer Post 104. He received a letter of commendation from the department for his work with the Explorers. Ron was a member of the Retired Fire Fighter Association, where he had been past President.
Ron was also actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America. Ron was an Eagle Scout and the Scout Master for Troop #1 at St. John's Catholic Church. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, and he was a recipient of the Bronze Big Horn Award (Council level) and the Silver Big Horn Award (Regional level). Ron also received the District Ward of Merit. He had worked at Camp Saukenauk and Camp Eastman as a program director, a shooting sports director, and a commissioner.
Ron had been a football coach for over 40 years. He began coaching flag football to Second through Fourth graders at the YMCA. He then coached tackle football for the Seventh and Eighth Grade YMCA Redskins for the next 38 years. He continued coaching Quincy Raiders football over the past three years. Ron was a member of the Parochial Youth Football Committee, which started the Quincy Raider Youth Football Program.
Ron was an Adams County Board member for District 2 for eight years.
Ron had been the owner and operator of Lynn's Carpets for over 15 years. He also worked at Huck's Fixtures as a Journeyman cabinet maker prior to joining the Quincy Fire Department. Ron was an accomplished handyman, and there wasn't anything he couldn't fix.
Ron was a lifelong member of St. John's Catholic Church, and he was a current member of Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Ron and Linda had been foster parents for many new born infants through Catholic Charities for over 25 years. After Catholic Charities discontinued their foster program, Ron and Linda continued fostering children through DCFS for the next 15 years. Over the years they also opened their home to many children who needed a place to stay, including exchange scouts and foreign exchange students. Their doors were always open.
In addition to his wife, survivors include four children: Russell E. "Russ" (Anna) Hinkamper of Quincy, IL; Robin (Gary) Cimera of Centralia, IL; Renea Henning of Quincy, IL; and Ryan (Sarah) Hinkamper of Quincy, IL; ten grandchildren: Michelle Cottrell of Lagrange, MO; Rachell (fiancée, Gabriel Hun) Hinkamper of Quincy; Ronald "Ronnie" Hinkamper of Quincy; Joshua Cimera of Centralia, IL; Nicole (fiancée, Andrew Genenbacher) Henning of Quincy; Natalie and Wilson Henning of Quincy; Rylee Hinkamper, currently serving in the United States Army in Kuwait; Reagan and Reese Hinkamper of Quincy; two great grandchildren, Lakin and Gage Cottrell of LaGrange, MO; two brothers-in-law: Gary (Dee) Beckman of Tiffin, IA; and John Beckman of Quincy; a sister-in-law, Rosemary Hinkamper of Quincy; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, John Michael Cimera; two brothers, Raymond and Rodney Hinkamper.
Services: 9:30 a.m. prayers at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home followed by 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, July 27, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Church, concelebrated by Father John Titus and Michael Kuse.
Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Thursday July 26, 2018 at Blessed Sacrament Church, with a Rosary at 3:00 p.m.
Memorials: Ronald W. Hinkamper Scholarship c/o Quincy Notre Dame Foundation, Blessed Sacrament School, or Haitian Education.
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I am genuinely saddened by the loss of this incredible man and friend. Linda and family, my heart goes out to you prayerfully."
"Prayers lifted up ! The Schroder Family"
"Ron was my football coach when I played for the Redskins back in grade school. I also remember him following me when I played for the Blue Devils at Quincy Senior High School. Ron was so passionate about football and had a huge football family that was awesome to see. The one thing that I remember the most is Ron telling me to "never look back" to see who is trying to catch you when running the football. These words always resonated in my life not just in football but in everything that I do. I do not dwell on the negative things of the past but instead keep moving forward in a positive and meaningful way while not looking back. These words will always live on with me in my life and I thank him for that."
"Sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for all. From all of us at Winkings Market."
"Sorry for the loss to the Hincamper Family. Even though it feels like your leader is gone...remember all the wise words, love and pride Ron left in you all as a legacy of his life. Carry on with all the lessons you have learned from your leader and make new paths as the next generation grows. Keep his memory alive by passing on the knowledge and love he imparted on you. May the spirit and love Ron had for you all carry on forever. Please accept my deepest condolences."
"Linda, Renea Know I am keeping you all in my prayers and your family. May God give you the comfort you need during this trying time. Ms. Mona"
"Linda, Renea and family. So very sorry for your loss! Take comfort in Ron having his family with him at the end. Know he is with our Lord in Heaven now, pain free! God hold you all with love and comfort during this time! Prayers for you all!"
"Linda, You and Ron were a great couple and raised your family with lots of love. Working with Ronnie at Huck Fixture Co for years and working after hours to remodel homes with him were good times. He taught me alot and I enjoyed every minute. Memories were shared having breakfast with him in recent days. Jan and I even got married the same day as you and Ron. Until we meet again in our heavenly home" GOOD MAN"."
"Sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your family."
"Ron and linda were 2nd parents to me growing up. Him and my father were on the fire dept together. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers! Much love to all of you!"
"RIP Ron my deapest sympathys to this family!! Ron was my football coach for the ymca when i was younger great man he was!!?"
"So sorry for your lost. Continued prayers sent."
"Linda, Renee and family. So sorry for your loss. Lots of hugs and prayers from Mindy's mama."
"Ronnie was one of my roommates at Truman University. A really good good guy and really liked my chocolate chips cookies. Ronnie was really a fun guy. Condolences to Linda and the family"
"Our most heartfelt condolences go to the entire Hinkamper family. He was an incredible man. May God comfort you."
"Linda, Russ, Robin, Renea, and Ryan: I was saddened to hear of your loss. What a GREAT man your husband and father was on this Earth. I will pray that God gives you the strength you need in the days ahead and that HE fills your heart and souls with only the good times you spent with your loved one. God Bless, Lonny"
"So sorry love and prayers"
"Linda and family: so sorry for your loss! He is with his Lord and Savior now. God Bless you all."
"My thoughts and prayers for the entire family. What a welcome visitor Mr. Hinkamper and his wife were to St. Mary School in Centralia when I was principal there. Josh was always so happy to see them."
"Love you, Robin, Now I see where you got your big heart."
"You are all in our hearts and prayers.....????????"
"Linda and family...I?m deeply saddened of your loss. May happy memories comfort you, and give you peace."
"Uncle Ron was a true treasure. A big man with a soft heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"So sorry for your loss, Hinkamper family! You are all in our thoughts & prayers."
"My thoughts are with your family. Ron was a wonderful man and has touched so many lifes. My condolences to the Hinkamper family."
"Linda and family, so sorry to about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Linda and family ? Jesus said ?welcome home, my good and faithful servant?. He was speaking of Ron!! Peace to all of you as we remember all the good things he did for us."
"Your family is in our thoughts and prayers."
"Our deepest sympathy to the entire family."
"Ron was a wonderful man and a will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Linda and the entire family."
"So sorry to hear about your loss. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you strength to endure the coming days. Laverne Stephens and son Bob."
"Thinking of you ..."
"So sorry for your loss, Hinkamper family! You are all in our thoughts & prayers."
"My Uncle, my Godfather, my scout leader, my football coach, most of all, my Friend!"