Thomas Edward Lampke

Thomas E. Lampke, age 87 years, born on April 17, 1937 to Ada (nee Debbeler) and George Lampke.  He grew up in Covington, Ky with five brothers and sisters.  He graduated from Holy Cross High School and started college classes until he enrolled in the US Army and served his country fron 1958-1960 being stationed in Germany.  In 1962, he married Ruth Ann Budke and they raised three children together.  He was a loving father for the rest of his life and will be missed greatly by his children.

In 1992, he met the love of his life, Cheryl Rarrick, with whom he spent the next 33 years, until his death.  In this new chapter of his life, he took on another role – that of grandfather, lovingly known to his grandchildren as ‘Pop’.  His ten grandchildren (Anna, Ben, Casey, Jackson, Harrison, Kennedy, Grant, Trent, Nova and Knox) looked up to him as a role model and friend.

He worked mostly as a supervisor of trucking companies, often working 12 hour shifts and nightshifts to provide for his family, but was better known as a man who could do anything or fix anything.  There was seldom a new project he wouldn’t take on.  He enjoyed working in his yard, building walls and creating new landscapes.  Tom was a social person as well; he never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation almost anywhere with anyone.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ada and George, his five siblings (George, Judy, Vivian, Jim and Dave) and two beloved nephews (John and Mark).  He is survived by his partner, Cheryl Rarrick, his partner of 33 years, three children, Terry Lampke, Tom Lampke Jr., Jane Bracken, son-in-law, Bob Bracken, two step-children, Stephen (Kim) Kitchen, Brian Kitchen (Tammy), his grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  He lived a long life that touched and influenced many.  He will be loved and remembered by all who were part of his life.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, January, 25^th, at Linnemann Funeral Home,1940 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with service at 1:00 p.m.  A reception will follow the service from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Tom’s name to the Cincinnati VA Medical Hospital by calling PH: 513-861-3100