Roger Paul Niekamp, 54, 152 Reed St., New Bremen, died at 11:40 a.m. April 9, 2008, at his 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), all of New Bremen; three sisters, Diane (David) Wagner, Celina, and 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. He was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in New Bremen and a 1972 graduate of New Bremen High School.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Rick Nieberding officiating. Burial is at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.  

Calling is 2-8 p.m. today in the parish center of the church and one hour prior to Mass on Saturday at the church.

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

Arrangements are being handled by Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen.