Walter R. "Doc" Fortkamp, age 78 of St. Henry, Ohio, died Thursday morning April 4, 2024, at Mercer County Community Hospital in Coldwater.

Doc was born July 27, 1945, in Celina to the late Leander & Rita (Bernard) Fortkamp. Doc married his wife of 56 years, Thelma (Wimmers) Fortkamp, on September 9, 1967. Thelma survives at their home in rural St. Henry.

Doc is also survived by children, Bill Fortkamp & Jenny of Mendon; Lynn & Billy Cannarozzi of Kettering; Julie & Jeff Smith of Miamisburg; and Vic & Shantel Fortkamp of St. Henry. Other surviving family members include Doc's six grandchildren: Cara & Corine Cannarozzi, Jack & Riley Smith, and Alice & Dolores Fortkamp, as well as siblings and in-laws: Barb & Larry Poppe of McCartyville; Marcia & Ben Tebbe of New Bremen; Ron "Herbie" & Treva Fortkamp of St. Rose; Ed Grieshop of Anna; Marilyn Fortkamp of Minster; Linda Fortkamp of New Bremen; Becky Wimmers of Barlett, Ill.; and Mary & Mike Vagedes of Tipp City.

In addition to his parents, Doc is preceded in death by his sister Josephine Grieshop, two brothers Lee and Ralph Fortkamp, brother-in-law Bob Wimmers and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Victor & Dolores (Tobe) Wimmers.

Doc will be remembered for his ornery and fun-loving spirit, as well as his love for his family, grandchildren, and wife. He never knew a stranger. Doc was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church in St. Henry, Ohio. He was a veteran of the Army National Guard, and a member of the Maria Stein & Coldwater American Legions. Doc enjoyed being active in the community and serving where he could. He and Thelma were both charter members of the St. Henry EMS and also was a member of the St. Henry Volunteer Fire Dept for 30 years. He owned Fortkamp Oil & Mercer Oil and later worked for CW Service. Doc enjoyed socializing with friends and other community members, especially those from the Coldwater Eagles, The Community Club, The St. Henry Athletic Boosters, and numerous softball teams he played on and against in various leagues. His hobbies and his passions included Oliver tractors and competitive plowing. He belonged to the Buckeye Oliver Tractor Collectors, Chapter 6 International Harvester Collectors, Poor Boys Antique Tractor Pullers Association, and the Plowmen's Association. Doc competed in many antique tractor pulls and plowing contests at local, state, and national levels.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at St. Henry Catholic Church.

Friends and family may call from 2-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, or from 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in St. Henry.

Condolences for the family may be expressed in person or online at hogenkampfh.com.