December 15, 1948 – February 6, 2022
Victoria Irtenkauf of Camden, South Carolina | 1948 – 2022 | Obituary
Victoria Susan Irtenkauf (Sheppard), 73, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6 at MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center in Camden. She was surrounded by family.
The daughter of a Department of Defense civil servant, Victoria was born in Yokohama, Japan, on December 15, 1948, and spent her childhood on military bases around the world. During her senior year at Frankfurt American High School in Germany, she met Rolf Irtenkauf, and a year later the pair eloped in Conway, North Carolina. They were married by a justice of the peace who also happened to be a barber; the man insisted on giving Rolf a shave before any vows were exchanged.
Victoria and Rolf, a US Army Command Sergeant Major, made their home and raised a family on military bases in Europe, Central America, and all over the United States. Victoria had a passion for supporting fellow military families through deployments and transfers, particularly the spouses and children of junior enlisted soldiers. For almost thirty years she was heavily involved in family advocacy organizations, culminating in leadership positions for the Family Support Groups and as president of the Enlisted Wives Clubs serving the Southern European Task Force in Vicenza, Italy and US Army South in Fort Clayton, Panama.
During her professional career, Victoria worked for American Airlines in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she campaigned to end the company’s policy regarding involuntary maternity leave without pay. Throughout the 1990’s Victoria worked for both Microsoft and MSNBC, where she enjoyed a front-row seat to the emergence of internet technology.
Victoria was spirited and curious. She loved movies and horror novels, and she adored the family’s many dogs. She is survived by husband, Rolf; children Jay, Kimberly, Jeffrey; grandchildren Josh (Hannah), Zach, Rian, and Jordyn; and great-granddaughter Jana.
The family wishes to thank Dr. James Kearse and Wanda Burkett, RN, at MUSC Health Primary Care Lugoff for their exceptional care during the final years of Victoria’s life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Lung Association.
Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family.