Nicholas F. Bergman, 88, Botkins, died at 12:45 a.m. Feb. 9, 2013, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.

He was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Egypt to Fred and Katherine Dircksen Bergman. He married Norma Berning on Sept. 27, 1947, in St. Patrick, and she survives in Botkins.

Also surviving are his children, Diane (Joe) Pohlman of Cassella, Betty Shardo (fiancé Joe Mescher) of Versailles, Mary Moeller (friend Mike Schneider) of New Bremen, Tom (Mary) Bergman of McDonough, Ga., Linda (Melvin) Behr of Wapakoneta, Jeanne (Tom) Boerger of Fort Loramie, Nicholas Bergman, Jr. of Jackson Center, Ron (Jeanie) Bergman of Botkins, John (Janet) Bergman of Botkins and Elaine (Steve) Luthman of Anna; 40 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Joseph, Bill and Herb, Cecelia Bergman and Eleanor Flaute.

He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Rhine, and was the church custodian for 19 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army in the Philippines during WWII and was a member of American Legion Post 241 of New Bremen.

He enjoyed fishing, coon hunting, baseball and his grandchildren. He was a retired farmer and also worked at Ross Aluminum in Sidney.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Botkins, the Rev. Pat Slonecker and Rev. Dan Hess con-celebrants.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-9:45 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Rhine.

Memorials may be given to State of the Heart Hospice and the Heritage Manor Activity Fund.

Condolences may be made at www.hogenkampfh.com.