Ronald L. Hittepole age 79, of New Bremen, died at 8:29 A.M. at the Lima Memorial Hospital, Lima, Ohio.

He was born on July 18, 1937 in New Bremen, the son of the late Adrian C. and Leverta B. (Kettler) Hittepole. On March 8, 1956 he married Marlene L. Berning in Dayton, Ohio, and she survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving are his children Vicki (Michael) Brackman of New Bremen, Brenda (David) Utz of New Bremen, and Neal (Andrea) Hittepole of Troy, Ohio; his grandchildren Chris (Loresa) Burden, Andy (Sarah) Burden, Michael (Stefanie) Brackman, Scott Brackman, Jeff (Liz) Utz, Tony (Kristina) Utz, Kyle (Ashlee) Utz, Courtney Hittepole, and nine great-grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Katie Utz.

Ron was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen, where he held several offices of the church over the years. He was a 1955 graduate of New Bremen High School. He worked at the former STAMCO of New Bremen for 42 years, retiring in 2000 as the Repair Sales Manager. He was a member of the Tuesday Night Poker group, the New Bremen Historic Association, and the former Lions Club of New Bremen.

He and Marlene loved to entertain their family and friends. Together they enjoyed dancing and traveling over the years on various golf trips, and family vacations to Rice Lake and Lake Cumberland. He was very proud, supportive, and loving of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ron was a friend to everyone, and never knew a stranger. He always had a compliment and a kind word to give to everyone that he met.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, August 8, 2016 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen with the Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Willow Grove Cemetery of New Bremen following the services.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 2:00 until 6:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the services on Monday at the church.

Contributions in memory of Ron can be made to the New Bremen Fire Foundation, or St. Paul U.C.C. Window Restoration Fund.

Condolences to the Hittepole family may be left online at gilberghartwigfh.com.