Donald Thomas Trenkamp, 84, of Independence, KY passed away on October 15, 2024, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH surrounded by those he loved the most.  Born on May 20, 1940, in Covington, KY, he was the son of Ferd Trenkamp and Angela [Schulte] Trenkamp.

A farm boy working at the filling station, Don became “Mr. Fix It” over time by watching the mechanics at the garage repair vehicles.  Possessing an amazing mind for machines and their maintenance, Don sought his GED and mastered a valuable trade.  He was always eager to share his talents and worked on many friends’ and loved ones’ cars over the years. While he later on preferred a Chevy or GM truck, it was his fancy blue Impala which impressed school-age Mimi Ward. She and Don got acquainted through mutual friends and were married.  They started their life and home together in Independence.  Don was a fixture in the neighborhood and among the neighborhood kids—he got a kick out of teasing and messing with them during the summer months during numerous games of Kick The Can or Hide & Seek.  Over his life, Don was employed for Newport Steel and Sims Trucking Company, among a few others.  He retired from everyday work but never from being a jack of all trades.    

Don was an adored husband of 64 years to Mimi [Ward] Trenkamp; dear dad to Mark (Kristi) Trenkamp, Julie Trenkamp (Bret Workman), Adam Trenkamp (Chrissy Pachuta), Malia Fangmeyer, and Brett (Catrina) Trenkamp; cherished father-in-law to Karen Trenkamp; beloved brother to Ferd Trenkamp, Jr., Leo Trenkamp, Jim Trenkamp, David Trenkamp, Melanie Trenkamp, and Betty Trenkamp; grandpa to 11 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Don was also a precious friend to many as well as a “step-in dad” for more than just a handful of people.  Truly, no one was a stranger to Don, who from his favorite seat on the front porch waved and struck up a conversation with nearly everybody who walked by. This special man has earned his rest. We can only hope that he is relaxing with fellow fishing buddies near a heavenly lake, angling in a big one or simply watching the birds from a peaceful spot.  Don was welcomed into heaven by his parents; his brother Carroll Trenkamp; his sisters Pam Finan and Anita Vickers; and his son Tom “Tommy” Trenkamp, Jr.

A visitation will be held for Don on Tuesday October 22, 2024, from 9:00 AM until shortly before 10:00 AM at St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church, 4042 Turkeyfoot Rd, Erlanger, KY 41018. Directly following the visitation that day there will also be a memorial mass at the church, beginning at 10:00 AM. Immediately following the mass until 1:00 PM there will also be a celebration of life in The Sterling Center at St. Barbara. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don’s honor to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation General Fund either online or by mail at PO Box 4115, Frankfort, KY 40604.

To leave an online condolence or to share a memory or photo of Don, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.