MARVIN U. HEITKAMP, age 80
of Jacksonville, Florida, formerly of New Bremen, died peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 1:15 A.M. after a short hospitalization. He was born on October 14, 1942 in Maria Stein, the son of the late Julius E. and Clara E. (Bruns) Heitkamp. On August 20, 1966, he married Mary Ann Homan at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Minster, and she preceded him in death on March 2, 2016. Survivors include his children: Michelle (Dennis) Begg of Jacksonville, FL, and Michael (Rachel) Heitkamp of Cincinnati; his four grandchildren: Nicholas and Benjamin Heitkamp of Cincinnati, Shelby and Austin Begg of Jacksonville, FL; and his brothers: Walter (Rita) Heitkamp of Maria Stein, Ernest Heitkamp of Lebanon and Sister-in-Law Margie (Wilburt) Heitkamp of Columbus. Along with his parents and wife of 50 years, Marvin was preceded in death by his siblings: Wilbert Heitkamp, Irene Ballard, Roseanne Holthaus, Roger Heitkamp, Gerald Heitkamp, and Norma Keller.
Marvin had been a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen. He spent 42 years at the Minster Machine Co. in Minster where he worked as a molder before his retirement in 2004. He and Mary loved to travel, most notably their trips to Spain, England, Germany, and Hawaii. He also was an excellent caregiver to Mary as her health declined. In his later years, he volunteered at Agape Ministries in St. Marys, and he enjoyed spending time with his friends drinking coffee at Bolly’s in New Bremen, and taking walks around town with his beloved dog, Sophie. Although it was a big change to move to Jacksonville FL in his late 70’s, he thoroughly enjoyed his time in his new Community and made many great friends. One of his last big adventures was the purchase and upkeep of his 1965 Ford Mustang, something he had wanted to for many years. We share this picture as it was taken one month before his passing because we feel it represents how he tried to live his life.
Graveside Memorial Services will take place in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen on March 18, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Deacon Mr. Brad Feltz and Pastor Bryan Trego officiating. There will be a gathering at Bolly’s Restaurant following the graveside service. Memorial contributions in Marvin’s memory can be made to Agape Ministries (1220 E. Spring Street, St. Marys, Ohio 45885) or to the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org). Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen is assisting with arrangements, and condolences to the family can be left on the funeral home website at www.gilberghartwigfh.com.