Michael A. Heitkamp, 42, 432 W. Haven Dr., New Bremen, died at 7:18 a.m. May 9, 2009, at the Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus. Death was due to complications of cancer.

He was born on May 13, 1966, in Coldwater to George and Evelyn Winner Heitkamp, who survive near New Bremen. On Aug. 24, 2007, he married Teresa Gushing who survives.

Other survivors are two stepsons, Jacob and Nicholas Gushing, at home, his siblings, Greg (Jill) Heitkamp, Karen (Ken) Balster and Bob (Amy) Heitkamp, all of New Bremen.

He was employed at Crown Equipment Corporation for over 24 years where he was in the special projects engineering department. He was also engaged in farming and, along with his brothers, owned GMR Pork. He was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer, the New Bremen/German Twp. Fire Department, the Sons of the American Legion, all of New Bremen, the Home Benefit Association, the Auglaize County Farm Bureau and, since 2006, was a German Twp. Trustee. He was a member of the District Board of the Grand Lake Health System, a 1984 graduate of New Bremen High School and was a member of the "Chain Gang" for New Bremen football.

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

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, at the parish center of the church, where fire department services will be held at 7:30 p.m., and on Wednesday from 9:30 until the time of the service at the church.

Contributions can be made to the New Bremen Fire Foundation.

Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home of New Bremen in charge of arrangements.