COLUMBUS
L. Steve “Dog” Heitman, 64, passed away Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at his home in rural Columbus. He was born on February 4, 1957 in Columbus, the son of Lyle Gordon Heitman and Bertha Ann Applegate Heitman.
He married Carol Ward in 1978 and the couple celebrated their 43rd anniversary on September 16 of this year. They have three daughters: Jennifer (Erik) Welliver of Columbus, Sarah (Aaron) Montgomery of Russellville, Kentucky and Kimberly (Cory) Chamberlin, also of Columbus.
Steve had a long history in the manufacturing industry, working for Precise Tooling Solutions for 41 years, a place where he earned a good living and joked with fellow workers, earning his nickname of “Dog.”
While his work was important to him, nothing overshadowed his love for family. His grand-daughters, Riley Montgomery, Marie Welliver and Rosalie Chamberlin “were his world” the family says. He would do anything for his little grand-daughters.
His wife and children describe him as caring, nice, well-mannered and family-oriented and a man who loved to joke. He also loved to travel to Florida, spending many years vacationing at Clearwater Beach, and as recent as summer 2021, he vacationed with the family in Florida. It was also common for Steve to assist people, “even before they knew they needed help.”
Steve was also a regular attendee of the Ogilville United Methodist Church, often taking his mother-in-law to services with him. The two were close friends. He was also a member of the Columbus Moose Lodge #398.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, three daughters and three grand-daughters; a brother, Charles “Chuck” (Teresa) Heitman of Columbus and his mother-in-law, Dorene Ward.
Visitation for Steve will be from 4:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, December 17, at the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 18, with visitation one-hour prior to services. Pastor Paul Huntsman will officiate with the Rev. David Wilson assisting. Burial will follow at the St. Paul Cemetery in Ogilville, Indiana.
Memorials may be made to the Ogilville United Methodist Church or Riley Hospital in Indianapolis.
You are invited to view Steve’s video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the funeral home website.
