White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – John E. Kortenkamp, 66 years old, of Independence, IA, died Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, IA.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. – Thursday, April 18, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence, with Deacon Tim Post, celebrant. Fireman Memorial Bell Ceremony will be provided by the Buchanan County Honor Guard.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 17th at White Funeral Home, Independence, where there will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m. and vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue for an hour before services at the funeral home on Thursday. Private family burial will be Friday, April 19th at St. Albert Catholic Cemetery in rural Lamont, IA.

John Edward Kortenkamp was born November 15, 1957, in Independence, IA, the son of James Edward Kortenkamp, Sr. and Mary Jo (Sheeley) Kortenkamp. He graduated from Jefferson High School, in Independence, with the class of 1976. He married Kay Lundy in 1978 in Independence and together they had two children, Joe and Jeff. The couple would later divorce. John then met Diane Beatty and their relationship grew. Together, they were long-term partners and made their home in Independence, where John’s family grew to include Diane’s children, Shane and Rachelle.

John was a carpenter at the Mental Health Institute in Independence, and a member of the MHI – Fire Department for more than 30 years, serving as Chief for many of those years. John loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. For more than 50 years, he would take trips with family and friends to Lake Sac Seul, Canada. He was currently the president of the Buchanan County Wildlife Association and taught hunter safety courses to thousands of new hunters over the years. John liked to ride motorcycles and was meticulous about keeping them clean. He loved to care for his yard and simply be outside. His greatest love was his family. He tried to make it to all the grandchildren’s activities, and he especially found joy in being their transportation to wherever they wanted to go.

John is survived by two sons, Joe (Rozalynn) Kortenkamp of Monticello, IA, Jeff (Rebecca) Kortenkamp of Cedar Rapids, IA; his stepchildren, Shane (Molly) Beatty and Rachelle (David) Lynch all of Independence, IA; seven grandchildren, Izah, Sterling, Jordan, Jonnae, Jackson, Kaitlyn, Alli; one great granddaughter, Nara; two brothers, James (Bobbi) Kortenkamp, Jr. of Colona, IL, Jeffrey (Teri) Kortenkamp of Third Lake, IL; his loving long-term partner, Diane Beatty of Independence, IA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials will be directed to the Buchanan County Wildlife Association.

Online condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, IA, is in charge of arrangements.