Merle Lovekamp

Merle Elmer Lovekamp, 91 of Arenzville, died Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Heritage Health in Beardstown.

He was born March 9, 1931 in Jacksonville, the son of Elmer and Anna Roegge Lovekamp. He married Kathryn  “Kate” Carls on June 28, 1951 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville.

He is survived by his wife Kate Lovekamp of Arenzville; three daughters Susie (husband Mike) Meyer of Jacksonville, Vicki Meyer of Peoria, and Jill (husband Kevin) Schnitker of Holland, IN; two sons Scott (wife Karyn) Lovekamp of Wesley Chapel, FL and Bruce (wife Penny) Lovekamp of Arenzville; 13 grandchildren Jenna (husband Bryan) Crabtree, Cara (husband Kirk) Strubbe, Adam (wife Christy) Meyer, Aaron (wife Stacey) Meyer, Joe (wife Angie) Meyer, Josh (wife Stacy) Meyer, Crystal (husband Matt) Guarnieri, Tyson (wife Joanna) Schnitker, Trenton (wife Debbie) Lovekamp,  Jordan (wife Mariela) Lovekamp, and Brooke Lovekamp; 24 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandsons Andy and Zach Meyer, and four sisters Marian Gaertner, Lucille Burrus, Jeane Burrus, and Lois Stock.

Merle graduated from Arenzville High School in the class of 1949. He was a baptized and confirmed member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville and a longtime member of the Beardstown Elks Lodge #474. After he graduated from high school, Merle took over the family farm, raised livestock, drove a school bus for Triopia High School, and at the age of  50, he fulfilled a life-long dream of being an owner operator semi driver for Riechmann Transport.

Merle’s sense of humor and honesty will never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arenzville. Burial will be in Trinity Luther Cemetery in Arenzville. The family will meet with friends from 10 AM until the time of services at the church on Tuesday. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. There will be a time to share memories at a luncheon at Trinity Lutheran Church following Merle’s burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to United Adrenoleukodystrophy Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.