L. Steve "Dog" Heitman
February 4, 1957 ~ December 14, 2021
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.
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Such a surprise. We go back several years with my daughter being friends with the Heitman girls, especially Jennifer. We had not seen each other for a number of years but ran into one another at the Hot Rods & Rock & Roll this summer and enjoyed a brief visit. Our thoughts and prayers for your families.
A.C. Reeves
I had the privilege of working with Steve at precise for close to 9 years, he was a great man who cared about his coworkers and family! You will be missed! RIP Dog
It was awesome to get to know Lyle as a service provider at Precise Tool. Always a friendly face and a kind word from Lyle. On my last visit in November, I got to hang out with him for about 30 minutes back in the polishing area. It was at the end of the day so our conversation spilled over into the parking lot. He was on his way to do something with his Grandchildren. Somehow the conversation ended with the two of us discussing having a relationship with Jesus. He was a good man. May God bless all of his friends and family! – Andy Kaelin
Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
Small Garden Dish was purchased for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
We bought the house next door to him and he came right over and introduced himself to us and we were friends ever since. Absolutely one of the nicest guys we have ever known. We are still in shock.
Gayle and Jason Corfman purchased the Medium Dish Garden for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
Sweet Tranquility Basket was purchased for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
Richard, LuAnne, Jerry, Debbie & Glenda purchased the Beautiful Dreams for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
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Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and thoughts to your family. From your cousin, James Lang
Jason, Kaydi, Kynzie, Asher, Pumkin purchased the Country Basket Blooms for the family of L. Steve “Dog” Heitman.
I have fond memories of playing with Chuck and Steve as kids on Hawcreek Avenue. Our mothers were still living next door to each other when the flood took their homes in 2008. Steve was a great guy and we are so very sorry for your loss.
Lyle and Kathy Leitholt