George E. Heitkamp age 86, of New Bremen, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at the Kindred Hospital in Lima.

He was born on July 14, 1936 near Montezuma, the son of the late Augustine B. and Irma M. (Zahn) Heitkamp. On November 4, 1961, he married Evelyn D. Winner, and she survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving are his children: Greg (Jill) Heitkamp, Karen (Ken) Balster, Bob (Amy) Heitkamp, and a daughter in-law, Teresa Heitkamp, all of New Bremen. Also left to cherish his memory are his eleven grandchildren: Clay (Taylor Bergman) Heitkamp, Devon Heitkamp, Diana Heitkamp, Jacob (Katie) Gushing, Nick (Katie Ryder) Gushing, Adam (Laura) Balster, Elizabeth (Conner Barhorst) Balster, Amy (Matt) Tangeman, Ashton Heitkamp, Olivia Heitkamp, and Jack Heitkamp, and two great-grandchildren on the way; his siblings: Doris Keiser of North Star, Marie (Steve) McClurg of Chickasaw, Ruth (Bill) Groff of Troy; and his in-laws Harold Winner of California, Barb Winner of Osgood, Earl and Dianne Winner of Minster, and Norman and Carolyn Winner of Missouri.

Along with his parents, George was preceded in death by a son Michael Heitkamp, his brother and sister in-law LaVern and Sharon Heitkamp, his father and mother in-law Leo and Rose (Evers) Winner, and his brothers and sister in-law: Louis Keiser, Anne Winner, and Eugene Winner.

George was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen where he served on parish council and was an usher for many years. He was a 1954 graduate of Coldwater High School, and served in the U.S. Army National Guard for several years until his marriage to Evelyn. After high school, he had worked at the former New Idea plant, and went on to work at the former Bremco Mills of New Bremen, eventually becoming plant manager. George had a passion for farming, and was proud to share his passion with his family. He also loved playing and watching sports of any kind, and he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their various activities. He was also very civic-minded - playing softball for many years, being a founding member of the New Bremen Athletic Boosters, helping to form the Bremenfest Park, establishing the 301 Club, a former Jaycees member, Minster Farmer's board member, and was a member of the Farm Bureau, the Knights of St. John, the Coldwater Eagles, and the New Bremen American Legion.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 13, 2023 beginning at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, with Rev. Fr. Mark Hoying and Deacon Mr. Greg Bornhorst officiating. Interment will follow in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023 from 1:00 until 5:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and again from 9:00 until 10:00 A.M. prior to the Mass on Monday at the church.

Memorial contributions in memory of George can be made to the Heitkamp Family Scholarship Fund (checks made payable to: New Bremen Foundation, P.O. Box 97, New Bremen, Ohio 45869).

Condolences and memories can be shared with the family on the funeral home website at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.