Albert "Al" Leo Heitkamp, 83, Rockford, entered into rest at 12:55 a.m. Feb. 28, 2015, at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

Al was born Feb. 24, 1932, in Minster, to the late Roman and Elanora (Schemmel) Heitkamp. On July 28, 1956, he married Connie Sue Stetler, who passed Jan. 29, 2003.

Surviving are a son and daughter, Mark (Tina) Heitkamp, Rockford, and Vickie (Kevin) Fultz, Orland Park, Ill.; brothers, Robert (Charlene) Heitkamp, Cassella, and Jim (Barb) Heitkamp, Piqua; a sister, Janet Stevens, Lompoc, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Rosie Heitkamp, New Bremen; five grandchildren, Bryttany (Wes) Harrison, Venedocia, Marcas and Peyton Heitkamp, Rockford, and Molly and Emily Fultz, Orland Park, Ill. He was able to meet and spoil his great-grandson, Dalton Harrison, as well.

Also deceased are two brothers, Paul and Joseph Heitkamp; two sisters, Mildred Heitkamp and Rogene Brown; and two brothers-in-law, Tom Stevens and Russel Brown.

Al originally lived in Cassella. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He moved to Rockford in 1956 and then went to work for General Electric in Decatur, Ind. He retired from there after 25 years of service.

Al was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church, Celina VFW Post 5713 and the Honor Guard for American Legion Post 508, Rockford. He was an avid sports fan and a Little League coach for over 20 years. He also was in charge of the Rockford Little League program for 10 years.

He could still be found cheering on the kids playing baseball or softball after his coaching years. He was a Parkway football fan when his grandson played. Al loved fishing and trying his hand at casinos. He would always cruise around town in his golf cart and check out the latest news at TJ's.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Teresa Catholic Church, Rockford, Father Thomas Brenberger officiating. Burial with military graveside rites will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Family and friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford. A VFW service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday and a rosary prayer service will begin at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Rockford Recreation Legacy Fund or St. Teresa Catholic Church.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.