Gerald J. "Jerry" Heitkamp, 75, of Menominee, IL, passed away, unexpectedly, at 2:10 A/M, on Friday, December 7, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church, in Menominee, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating.  Burial will be in Nativity BVM Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 P/M to 7 P/M, on Monday, December 10, 2018, and from 8:45 A/M to 9:45 A/M, on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the Parish and Holy Name Society rosary will be recited at 1:30 P/M, on Monday.

Jerry was born on January 9, 1943, in Hazel Green, WI, the son of Robert H. and Margaret M. (Runde) Heitkamp.  He was a graduate of Galena High School, class of 1961.  Jerry was united in marriage to Charlotte R. Bauer on February 8, 1964, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church.

Jerry was employed at the John Deere Dubuque Works as a machinist, retiring after (46) years of service.  He was also employed at Tri-State Auto Auction, in Cuba City, WI.  He loved farming and his "Red" International tractors, and time spent with family and friends.

He was a member of Nativity BVM Parish and its Holy Name Society, U.A.W. Local #94, and the Nativity BVM Church choir.  He and Charlotte loved to travel, driving to various states and traveling out of the country.

Surviving are his wife of (54) years, Charlotte; (4) children, Michelle Driscoll, of Jacksonville, FL, Tom (Beth) Heitkamp and Patty (fiance', Bill Hough) Madsen, both of Lake in the Hills, IL, and Cheri (Derek) Kolkovich, of Deerfield, WI; (9) grandchildren, John, Katrina, Sarah and Doug: Makayla, Jaiden and Caitlin; Nolan and Tyler: (4) great-grandchildren, Lily, Tyson, Jaxson and Reagan; a sister, Lois (Robert) Wagner, of Asbury, IA, (2) brothers, Merlin (Linda) Heitkamp, of Menominee, IL, and Dennis (June) Heitkamp, of Ottumwa, IA; and a sister-in-law, Debbie Heitkamp, of East Dubuque, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret.

In lieu of flowers, a Gerald "Jerry" Heitkamp Memorial Fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com