John G. Muhlenkamp, Jr., 79, of Puyallup, WA, formerly of North Platte departed this life on Dec. 1, 2013, when he experienced a heart attack after having a small stroke two days earlier. John was born in Park, Kansas, Jan 13, 1934, the son of John and Clara (Albers) Muhlenkamp. He grew up in Wyoming and then North Platte, where he met his wife, Betty Powell. He worked at a cleaners, then automobile service stations in North Platte before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps (1954 – 1956).
John lived in California where he worked in the meat packing industry, followed by owning his own meat route servicing small grocers in Southern California. He and Betty were married nearly 59 years and raised six sons. He was active as an Assistant Scout Leader in his sons’ Boy Scout troops and an active participant in their camping outings, helping 3 sons attain the rank of Eagle Scout and 1 a Life Scout. Two of the sons were in Little League Baseball and he attended all their games.
John was a Priesthood member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now known as Community of Christ.
They moved to Puyallup, Washington in 1989. He acquired a love for automobiles at a young age, especially Ford products, and had a number of old cars that he restored, and some still in the process of restoration. He belonged to both a Model A and Early Ford V-8 club in Southern CA, and an Early Ford V-8 Club in WA, serving as a Board Member for all from time to time. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; sons, John III (Diane) of Dubois, WY, Daniel of Long Beach, CA, David (Sheila) of Torrington, WY, Levi (Margaret) of Swanville, MN, and Charles (Lisa), Norwalk, CA; his brothers, Nicholas (Opal), Antone (Shirley) and Henry (Kathy); his sister, Clara Vencill, all of North Platte; 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Larry (Nancy); and two sisters, Katherine (Bob) Mason and Marcella (Don) Hille. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.