It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Dr. Jeffrey Francis Fullenkamp on Monday, November 18 at the age of 70 in Des Moines, Iowa. Jeff passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was born on January 26, 1954 in Topeka, Kansas to Glenn and Jean (Schierbrock) Fullenkamp. Jeff married Susan Kruse on May 13, 2006 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
Jeff graduated from Marquette High School in West Point, Iowa and went on to St. Ambrose University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. He then joined the United States Army and attended medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. After graduating, Jeff was stationed in Korea for a year before he returned to the Quad Cities where he was the director of the health clinic at the Rock Island Arsenal for several years.
After graduating as an anesthesiologist from Loyola University in Chicago, Jeff returned to the Quad Cities where he began his career with Trinity Healthcare. Throughout his 30+ year career, Jeff was dedicated to spreading kindness, generosity, and laughter to both patients and colleagues and was known for saying “It’s a great day to be part of the Trinity team!” Jeff retired from medicine in 2019.
Jeff served not only his patients, but his country. He was a 34-year veteran of the United States Army and Army Reserves, serving in Korea, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom for which he was recognized with a Bronze Star. Jeff retired as a Colonel in 2014.
Jeff’s retirement years were spent doing what he loved most: being near the water. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and taking in nature’s views. He also liked to golf, and travel with his wife, Susan, along with their family and friends.
Jeff is preceded in death by his mother, father, stepmother, Edna (Panther) Fullenkamp, and brother-in-law James Shambo.
He is survived by his wife Susan Kruse, daughter Allison Fullenkamp (Nathan Henkenius) of Rockville, Maryland, son Eric Fullenkamp of Savannah, Georgia, stepson Mason Kruse-Hoyer (Pooja Narayan) of Hanover, Maryland, stepdaughter Alison Cox (Aaron) of West Des Moines, Iowa; brothers Robert Fullenkamp (Sharon), Joseph Fullenkamp (Karen); sisters BJ Gay (George), Ann Shambo (Ted Ablahat); grandchildren Landry, Eli and Finneas Cox; and Zuri Narayan-Hoyer.
Family will receive visitors from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport, Iowa.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport.
A private burial will be held in Arlington National Cemetery on a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America.
Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
