Jerome B. "Jerry" Heitkamp, 85, Versailles, died at 1:55 a.m. Oct. 26, 2011 at Versailles Health Care Center.

He was born March 29, 1926, in Maria Stein, to Leo and Clara Bills Heitkamp. On June 9, 1948, he married Mary Ann Hilgefort, who survives.

Also surviving are children, Theresa (Mike) Fullenkamp, Fort Recovery, Carol (Carl) Evers, St. Henry, Barb (Bruce) Batty, Tipp City, Leo (Kathy) Heitkamp, Versailles, Diana (Dave) Hartke, Coldwater, Linda (Dale) Fleck, Chickasaw, Rick (Margie) Heitkamp, Versailles, Gary (Denise) Heitkamp, Versailles, and Jerry Heitkamp, Versailles; siblings, Othmar (Pat) Heitkamp, Minster, Anna Marie Dircksen, Minster, Luella (Melvin) Rindler, Celina, Marietta (Audrey) Monnin, Botkins; in-laws, George Kahlig, Coldwater, Greg Kahlig, Coldwater, Rosie Heitkamp, Coldwater; 31 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are siblings, Edgar Heitkamp, Dorina Rindler, Evelyn Kahlig and Edna Kahlig; in-laws, John Dircksen and Tom Niekamp; and three infant grandchildren.

A farmer and member of Holy Family Catholic Church, he was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the National Farmers Organization, past member of Versailles and Minster Eagles aeries, past member of Farmers Union and past board member of Minster Farmers Co-Op.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Denis Catholic Church, 14 E. Wood St., Versailles, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial will follow in the Holy Family cemetery in Frenchtown.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Bailey Zechar funeral Home, Versailles.

Memorials may be made to State of the Heart Hospice or to St. Peter's Neurological Center.

Condolences may be left at zecharbailey.com.