Benjamin Gilbert Steinkamp
1/26/1977 - 8/18/2025
Benjamin Gilbert Steinkamp (1977-2025) was an honorable, devoted and amazing father, husband, friend and Marine who selflessly served others by always putting them before himself, even until the very end. Benjamin passed away Monday August 18, 2025 in Winston- Salem, NC, surrounded by family, friends, strangers who had just met him and even some who only got the honor of being there for his last sacrifice in his life.
Benjamin was born in Albuquerque, NM on January 26, 1977, to Rita Mettlingly and Royce Steinkamp. Benjamin graduated from Bernalillo High School in 1995 and then served in the Marine Corp from 1995-2003. He then entered the U.S. Army Reserves from 2004-2013 and then continued serving his community by becoming an EMT and continued his education by obtaining many Associate Degrees in Fire Science, EMS and Radiology.
Benjamin was an amazing and loving father and husband, who would have done anything for his wife, Amy, of 13 years and his 2 girls, Allyanna (15) and Tinley (8). His girls were his world, and nothing was more important to him, besides his insane Lego collection and his VW Bugs. Benjamin never met a stranger, he always put others first, was always willing to give a helping hand, give advice or just be there to listen. He was occasionally called the community dad or husband because he was always the first person anyone called for help. From flat tires, needing their yard mowed, fixing a mower, giving rides and picking up kids from the bus stops, he was always there. He was also involved with Allyanna’s marching band at North Davidson High School. Benjamin was a true blessing to everyone and always answered everyone’s call, never expecting anything in return. Even in Benjamin’s last moments, when he could no longer be here with us on earth, he continued to serve others. Benjamin was honored to be an organ donor and was able to give 4 people the greatest gift of their life. He truly saved so many during his life and now he will continue to do so, even when he is gone.
Benjamin will be remembered for his addiction to Legos and VW Bugs, his amazing smile, laughter, jokes, crazy get togethers, music choices, his special “drinks”, his love for fun in life and his overall love he had for everyone. All he ever wanted was for people to love him and be proud of him. His wife, daughters, friends and family are truly proud of him and pray everyone strives to be a little like Ben.
Benjamin is survived by his wife, Amy and daughters, Allyanna and Tinley. Sisters, Letha Steinkamp of Tennessee, Clarisa Simpson and wife Gina of Arizona, Deana Steinkamp of Kansas, Sister in-law April and Zach Hill of New Mexico. Brothers Robert Steinkamp of Arizona and Ajay Lucero and wife Erika of New Mexico. Father and Mother in-law Allen and Nancy Ziembovic, of Oklahoma. Nieces Katrina Rohla, Rebecca Hill, Bella and Khloe Lucero. Nephews Aiden Steinkamp, Nicholas Hill, Apollo Lucero and Jaxon Simpson. Many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother Rita Mettlingly, Stepmother Mary Steinkamp and parents Tony and Lucia Lucero.
Viewing will be at Affordable Funerals and Cremations of Davidson County, 1403 S. Main St., Lexington, NC, Thursday August 21, 2025 from 6p-8p. Military services will be scheduled at a later date and time.
Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fideli, go fly with the angels.
Fly high my friend. Your presence will be deeply missed. You are an extraordinary individual, and everyone who had the privilege of meeting you has been profoundly impacted and forever changed. Until we meet again in heaven! Pearl, Lou, Aguie and Rudy
Ben I love you more than words can say. You were an amazing man, amazing father, and an outstanding brother. Thank you for saving me all those times you did. I promise I’ll take care of your family. I love you.
Ben is all these things and more and I am blessed to have meet him and Amy when we broke down in NM, they helped us make it back to Texas and made us feel like family. A true angel on earth amd now in heaven.
Ben is an honorary son. And I have been blessed to be able to know and love him. He has a heart of Gold. Dreams bigger than life. Always determined, willing to all for advice, and always willing to keep me filled in on the family. Loved it when he would call and pop in for a visit. Ben’s life wasn’t always roses, but he sure made others feel as if he could pull one out of thin air. I’m really going to miss you so very much. But I’m glad that your daughters have had you as long as they did to show them the way. Now Amy will pick up and finish things off for you. I’ll see you again soon my heart son.
Oh Ben! I will never forget our crazy nights in dispatch taking over the whole back part of the center to build legos. You always made the room brighter and lighter. Brought out the kid in me. Never a dull moment and always found time for laughter. I still remember the first time you brought in Amy, how proud of her you were, the glow you had, “I can’t wait for you to meet my girlfriend, she’s so beautiful, you’re gonna love her.” And that I did!! I miss you buddy!!! Fly high!!!
Ben,
I got to know you for a short time when I bought my house in Lexington. You were a great man and a good neighbor. My son liked and respected you a lot where when the accident happened to you he used to call me every day and asked me, “Dad, how’s Ben?” is he gonna make it? It is really sad!
Rest in Peace, Sir!
Amy, I’m always going to be there for you and your family. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.