Walter R. Heitkamp, age 86 of Minster, Ohio, died at 1:30 AM on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Briarwood Village Coldwater, Ohio.

He was born on September 25, 1938 in Minster, Ohio to the late Julius & Clara (Bruns) Heitkamp. He married Rita M. Schulte on November 14, 1964 in Precious Blood Church, Chickasaw and she preceded him in death on March 13, 2023.

He is survived by his 6 children: Karen & Mike Long, Minster, Ron Heitkamp, Minster, Chris Heitkamp, Toledo, Teresa & Steve Prenger, Minster, Ryan Heitkamp, Columbus, Craig Heitkamp, Minster, 8 grandchildren: Mitch Long, Celina, Emily Long Rayfield & Hunter Rayfield, Columbus, Josh Heitkamp, Ansonia, Noah Heitkamp, Chickasaw, Spencer, Tyler, Alayna and Evan Prenger, Minster, 2 great grandchildren: Izzy & Mack Long, Celina, Brother: Ernie Heitkamp, Lebanon, sister-in-law Margie Heitkamp, Sidney, in-laws: Mary & Pat Cogan, Wapakoneta, Jane Moore, New Bremen, Ken & Sharon Schulte, Celina, Jerry & Chris Schulte, New Bremen, and numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law Faye Heitkamp, brothers: Wilbur Heitkamp, Marvin Heitkamp Roger Heitkamp, Gerald Heitkamp, sisters: Roseanne Holthaus, Irene Ballard, Norma Keller brothers-in-law Pete Holthaus, Joe Ballard, sisters-in-law: Mary Heitkamp and Sara Heitkamp, brothers-in-law Marvin Schulte and Bill Moore.

Walter was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic church, Maria Stein, the Men's Sodality, Knights of St. John Maria Stein, American Legion and the Auglaize County Farm Bureau. He went through Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY and then moved back home bought his parents farm and married the love of his life Rita.

He farmed for many years milking cows, planting crops and taking care of his orchard. Walter was very proud that the farm was recognized as a century farm established in 1890. He was on the Auglaize County Fair Board for 40 plus years. He truly enjoyed talking and meeting new people there. He had a great love for fairs. After retiring from farming, he started working at Crown in New Bremen and continued taking care of his orchard and garden.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein with burial to follow in St. John Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Minster on Monday, January 27, from 4 to 7 PM and from 9:00 to 10:00 AM on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Everheart Hospice.

Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.