Harry Kortkamp Obituary

Harry Kortkamp
Alton - Harry Kortkamp, 92, of Alton, passed away December 25, 2025 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Harry was born to Harry and Charlotte (Johndrow) Kortkamp on February 3, 1933 in Alton.
He graduated from Alton High School in January 1951 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was deployed in central and eastern Korea as a telephone lineman for military communication. He spent 13 months in Korea and three years with the Marines. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1954.
Upon leaving the military he started his career as a sheet metal worker. He retired in 1995 after spending most of his career at Camp Electric in Alton.
He married Sarah Wetstein in June 1954. Harry and Sarah were married 46 years until her passing in December 2000.
He is survived by daughters, Vicki (Lee) Eft of Des Moines, IA, Robin (Bob) Bowen of Loudon, TN; and a son, Rich Kortkamp of Godfrey. Also surviving are grandchildren, Mike and Michelle Bowen, Ryan and Ashley Eft, Rachel and Alise Kortkamp; and a great granddaughter, Amber Eft.
Harry was one of 13 children. Surviving him are Pat McIntyre, Tom Kortkamp and Denise Stevenson. He was preceded by his siblings, Marcella Fluck, Dolores Hill, Sharon Seal, Morris Eugene, Roy, Frederick, Gary, Ralph and Paul Kortkamp.
Harry was a member of the Alton VFW Post 1308 and Alton American Legion, as well as Detachment 1160 of the Marine Corp League. He served as Post Commander for the VFW Post from 2010-2015. He touched many lives with his many years of coaching Catholic grade school basketball, girls' softball, Khoury League baseball and American Legion baseball. He was very instrumental in the start up and formation of the Godfrey Khoury League.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Father Steve Janoski will officiate. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.