Robert Paul Niekamp, 54, 152 Reed St., New Bremen, died at 11:40 a.m. April 9, 2008, at this home. Death was due to natural causes.

He was born Dec. 30, 1953, in Coldwater, to Paul and Ruth Gerlach Niekamp, who survive. On July 5, 1997, he married Kathy Smith, who also survives.

Other survivors are a daughter, Jessica Niekamp, New Bremen; a stepson, Richard Frederick, Bartlett, Tenn.; a stepdaughter, Donielle Higgs, Huber Heights; two brothers, Tim (Jeanne) and Randy (Jenny), New Bremen; three sisters, Diane (David) Wagner, Celina, Marilyn (Jerry) Nerderman and Linda (Alan) Kelley, all of New Bremen; and six stepgrandchildren.

He was district manager at Beverage Management, Inc. of Baltimore, Md., where he had lived for several years, a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen and a 1972 graduate of New Bremen High School.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. April 12, 2008, at the Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, the Rev. Rick Nieberding officiating. Burial is at the German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.  

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday in the parish center of the church in New Bremen, and Saturday one hour prior to service at the church.

Contributions can be made to Grand Lake Health Systems Foundation, St. Marys, or Grand Lake Hospice.

Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is in charge of arrangements.