Charles "Charlie" Henry Alkemeyer

Charles Henry Alkemeyer, 73, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at the Jane Phillips Medical Center. Wednesday would have been his deceased wife Eileen’s 70th birthday. Charlie was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, on June 26, 1949, to Willie and Stella (Biri) Alkemeyer. He graduated from Perryville High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri – Rolla (UMR), now the Missouri University of Science and Technology. While serving in the Missouri Army National Guard, Charlie met Eileen Rose Meyer of Perryville, Missouri. They were married on December 10, 1977, and had three children together. For 30 years, Charlie worked as a civil and structural engineer at Phillips Petroleum Company/ConocoPhillips. Nicknamed “The Man of Steel” by colleagues, Charlie was known for unexpected solutions to complex problems and for the warm heart and sense of humor behind his seemingly serious face. During his free time, Charlie liked to play complex strategy games, read fantasy or sci fi novels, and nap during televised football games. He passed these interests on to his children. Late in life, Charlie took up an unexpected hobby: making arts and crafts with his two granddaughters. Charlie proudly displayed their works throughout his home. Charlie’s top priorities in life were his daily pot (or two) of coffee and, above all else, his family. Charlie (“Papa”) is survived by his son Bryan Alkemeyer of Los Angeles, California; daughter Sarah Thurman and her daughters Norah and Emma, as well as their father Shiloh Thurman, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; daughter Cheryl Alkemeyer, her husband Ryan Thompson, and their soon-expected daughter, of West Orange, NJ; brother Les (Delores) Alkemeyer of Perryville, Missouri; niece Cindy (Jim) Harbison of Glen Carbon, Illinois; nephew Mike (Karen) Alkemeyer of Charlotte, North Carolina; and nephew Bill Alkemeyer of St. Louis, Missouri. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Eileen and parents Willie and Stella. The burial service will be held later, once Charlie’s youngest daughter can travel following the birth of his third granddaughter. Meanwhile, to acknowledge Charlie’s passing, a closed-casket rosary service will be held at 6:00PM on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory (1600 SE Washington, Blvd., Bartlesville, OK 74006). All are welcome to attend for prayer or private reflection either in person or virtually at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY3NDU5Mzk4MjIzMjEzOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== The family hopes that all who knew and loved Charlie will join them for the final interment service later this year. The service will be held on July 1st at 10:00 AM at St James Catholic Church, 5500 Douglas Ln, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery will follow.

Charles "Charlie" Henry Alkemeyer

June 26, 1949 - January 18, 2023