Eugene N. Heitkamp, 74, 04630 state Route 364, Minster, died at 10:45 p.m. April 29, 2009, at his residence following a month-long illness.

He was born Dec. 6, 1934, in Minster to Fred and Cecelia Bruns Heitkamp. On June 22, 1963, he married Nancy S. Schafer, who died Oct. 4, 2006.

Surviving are his children, Mark (Linda) Heitkamp, Lantana, Texas, Sheila (John) Heitbrink and Brad (Tracy) Heitkamp, all of Minster; his siblings and their spouses, Viona Ruschau, Tipp City, Barbara and Bob Wuebker, Minster, and Sally Heitkamp, Maria Stein; and nine grandchildren.

Deceased are siblings Sylvina Winner, Cletus Heitkamp, Vernon Heitkamp, Margaret Heitkamp, Dorothy Heitkamp and infants Richard and Marlene.

A retired farmer and letter carrier, he was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Maria Stein, the Grand Lake Snow Dreamers, Grand Lake Improvement Association, Marion Local Band Boosters and Marion Local Athletic Boosters. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Service is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Gene Schnipke officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. today and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Contributions can be made to Marion Local Scholarship Fund in his name.