Paul Heitkamp, 83, 210 N. Washington St., New Bremen, died at 2:44 p.m. Sept. 2, 2009, at Otterbein St. Marys Retirement Community.

He was born Oct. 21, 1925, in Minster to Roman and Eleanor Schemmel Heitkamp. On Oct. 9, 1954, he married Rosemary C. Koeper who survives.

Other survivors are two sons, Dale (Stephanie) Heitkamp, New Bremen, and Dean (Kathryn) Heitkamp, Monassas, Va.; siblings: Albert Heitkamp, Rockford, Robert (Charlene) Heitkamp, Cassella, James (Barbara) Heitkamp, Piqua, Mildred Heitkamp, St. Henry, and Janet Stevens, Lompoc, Calif.; three grandchildren and a step grandson.

Deceased are a sister, Rogena Brown; and an infant brother Joseph Heitkamp.

He was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer and the American Legion, both in New Bremen, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, St. Marys, the Home Benefit Association and the New Bremen Rod and Gun Club. He served with the U.S. Navy during WW II where he was a machinist mate aboard a landing craft.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial is in the German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 5-8 p.m. Friday at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and Saturday from 9:30 until the time of the services at the church.

Contributions can be made to the New Bremen Fire Foundation or to the New Bremen Emergency Squad.