Thursday, January 26th, 2023
Maurice Niekamp
Maurice C. "Moe" Niekamp, age 82, of New Bremen, died on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 12:42 A.M. at the Otterbein Senior Lifestyles Community.
He was born on September 14, 1940 in Sebastian, the son of the late Alfred R. and Martha A. (Deppen) Niekamp. On September 14, 1963, he married Diana R. Thomas, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys, and she survives in New Bremen.
Also surviving are his children: Bryon (Pamela) Niekamp of Key Largo, FL, Shawn (Laura) Niekamp of New Bremen, Michelle (Rich) Schnippel of Botkins, and Heather (Bryan) McNeal of Enon; his six grandchildren: Ashley (Craig) Broerman, Erica Niekamp, Erin (Doug) Schmerge, Bailey (Holden) Hengstler, Riley McNeal, and Cole Schlereth; and his seven great-grandchildren: Benton, Raegan, and Quinn Schmerge, Harper and Jerome Broerman, and Huck and Hayes Hengstler. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings: Nita DeLellis of Middletown, Dale (Shirley) Niekamp of Coldwater, and Mike (Brenda) Niekamp of Celina, and his sister in-laws Roberta Niekamp of Celina, and Betty Niekamp of Minster.
Along with his parents, Moe was preceded in death by his siblings: Bernice (Mark) Kremer, Doris Niekamp, Ruth (Evart) Dorsten, Janet (Ed) Imwalle, Cy Niekamp, Don (Audrey) Niekamp, Larry Niekamp, and a brother in-law Joe DeLellis.
Maurice was a graduate of Marion Local High School and had formerly attended the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen. He had been a Development Technician and Supervisor at GoodYear in St. Marys for 47 years prior to his retirement. Before his time at GoodYear, he worked with his brother at a repair shop in St. Marys which led to a life of being mechanically inclined. He could make anything run again, which was good for his rolling stock of mowers, motorcycles, four wheelers, go karts, and other equipment over the years.
The family took numerous camping trips visiting state parks, and traveling all over the country. For a number of years, they also took trips to Florida. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and shoot. He had been a member of the New Bremen Rod & Gun Club where he had served as Vice President, a life-member of the New Knoxville Gun Club, the Sabres Shooting Association, and had served as the President of the New Bremen Athletic Boosters. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen.
The family will hold private funeral services with Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Inurnment will take place in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen at a later date.
Memorial contributions in memory of Moe can be made to the New Bremen Blanketeers (c/o: The New Bremen Foundation, P.O. Box 97, New Bremen, Ohio 45869).
Online condolences to the family can be left on the funeral home website at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.
