Donald Joseph Telkamp JR passed from this life at home on May 20, 2019, succumbing to ALS related issues at the age of 44; he was surrounded by his family, and felines whom he adored.

Don was born at Sanford Memorial Hospital in 1974. His youth was spent alternating between south Florida and Charleston, SC. Don picked up the family trait of progressive engineering at a young age and began tinkering with dune buggies and cars, eventually settling in a career of sheet metal and HVAC work. Along the way Don became a collector of “good junk”, and picked up cake decorating for friends and family. To many Don was the go-to guy for a project, regardless of how outside of the box it seemed; he was to many Superman. Don had many adventures in life, having many stories that he enjoyed sharing, sometimes repeatedly to the chagrin of his children and wife, Shelley. In 2017 Don joined the Facilities team at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. He felt this was the first step toward fulfilling his longtime goal of becoming a Reserve Deputy. However, shortly into his career at SCSO he was diagnosed with ALS, and he began what he called the fight of his life. Even during his battle he remained continuous in his love for life and living in the moment. Don was the ultimate family man, and once he opened his heart to you more often than not, you became family.

Don is survived by his wife Shelley, children Donald Joseph Telkamp III, Gregory Marquez, Dallas Telkamp and Arianna Marquez, grandchildren Jeremiah and Owen, stepmother Robin Heath, brother Steven Telkamp (Beth), grandmothers Joanne McCreery Telkamp, Kathleen Telkamp, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, beloved friends and his cats Tyger, Sebastian and Pearl. He was predeceased by his mother Gloria Jean Bliss and his father Donald Joseph Telkamp SR.

Viewing will be held at Newcomer South Seminole Chapel, 335 East State Road 434, Longwood, FL 32750 at 1:00 Friday, followed by services at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, any remembrance can be made to either Tom Buehler “Pops” Scholarship Memorial Fund at SCSO or Seminole County Animal Services, 232 Eslinger Way, Sanford, FL 32773.