Herman H. Birkenkamp, Jr., currently of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Toledo, OH, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2023, at his home in Pensacola at the age of 92. He was born February 15, 1931, in Toledo, the youngest of three children to Herman Henry and Marion (Hartman) Birkenkamp, Sr.
After graduating from Scott High School in 1949, Herman went on to attend the University of Toledo for 2 years before graduating from the Cleveland College of Mortuary Science in 1954 as a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Herman and his father owned and operated the Herman Birkenkamp and Son Mortuaries at Robinwood and Monroe Streets and their West Chapel at Jackman, Sylvania and Tremainsville Roads until the business was sold in 1982.
He was a loving, caring and generous person always putting other's needs before his own. Herman will also be remembered for his great sense of humor and ability to make people smile. He leaves behind a legacy filled with special memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved him.
Herman fell in love and married Beverly J. Grindle in 1961. They celebrated 33 years together when she passed in 1994. He felt blessed to have found love and companionship again in his lifetime when he married Ina L. (Matt Sharp) Birkenkamp on February 25, 1995. He and Ina began spending winters in Florida, eventually making Pensacola their home.
Herman dedicated over 50 years of his life as an active member of the Robinson-Locke Masonic Lodge in Toledo and the Zenobia Shrine, where he was involved in its Jeepster Unit. Later in life, Herman enjoyed watching and going to golf tournaments with Ina. He also had fun gambling.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Beverly Birkenkamp, Herman was also preceded in death by his sister, Joanne Finucan; and dear friends, Bill Cook and Bob Graver. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Ina (Matt Sharp) Birkenkamp; step-children, Kathy, Steve and Charles; sister, Marilyn Huebner; nephew, Dr. Chris (Kathy) Snyder; niece, Dr. Rachel Schumann; 6 step-grandchildren; 5 step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; great- and great-great- nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Shirley Cook and her daughters, Caren and Cathy; and Bill and Lucille Westerman.
Special thanks to Regency Hospice and Summer Vista Assisted Living for the care and compassion they showed Herman in his final days.
The family will receive guests Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300), with funeral services beginning at noon. Interment will follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.
To watch Herman's service via LiveStream, click
here.In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Herman to Shiner's Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL, 33607, (855)-401-4897 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, (800) 805-5856.
To leave a special message for the Birkenkamp Family, please visit the guestbook below.
HERMAN IS HOME