Joseph Heitkamp Jr., a beloved educator and dedicated member of the Saginaw community, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, at the age of 93.

Joe was born in Saginaw on November 12, 1932 to the late Joseph Lawrence Heitkamp Sr. and May Elizabeth (Benford) Heitkamp. Joe was a lifelong resident of Saginaw. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1950. He worked in sales at Heavenrich Brothers, before serving his country honorably in the United States Army.

Joe pursued higher education, earning an associate's degree from Bay City Junior College in 1957. He then attended Central Michigan University, where he received his bachelors degree in 1959 and a master's degree in 1962. For 38 years, Joe was a respected history teacher in the Saginaw Public School District. He began his teaching career at Central Junior High before spending the majority of his tenure at his alma mater, Arthur Hill High School. His passion for history and his engaging teaching style left a lasting impression on countless students. After retiring from teaching, Joe continued to serve the community by working at Case Funeral Home for many years.

Joe was a sports enthusiast. In his youth, he participated in church league softball and basketball. When Saginaw Valley State began its football program in 1975, he became one of the team’s statisticians, but eventually segued into the role of public address announcer. He was proud to serve as “The Voice of the Cardinals” for some 30 years and only missed one home game during his tenure.

Joe’s love of baseball and the Detroit Tigers led him to membership in the Society for American Baseball Research. He printed Tigers’ schedules with his contact information every year and enjoyed trading them and sharing research with other baseball historians across the country.

Joe was a faithful lifelong member of Ames United Methodist Church until its closure. He began serving as an usher when he was a teenager and was involved in many church committees over the years.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Beverly Heitkamp. They were united in marriage on April 12, 1974. He is also survived by his children, Jeffrey (Melina) Heitkamp and Lynn Heitkamp; two grandchildren, Ryan Heitkamp and Conner Heitkamp; a great granddaughter, Rhea Heitkamp; a brother-in-law, David (Bobbi) Collins; nieces, Vickie Schroeder, Ellen (David) Mook, Janice (Scott) Sakall, Jessi Collins, Kayla (Richard) Love, Elizabeth Collins and Brianne Collins; and numerous great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Lawrence Heitkamp Sr. and May Elizabeth Heitkamp; one brother and his wife, Jim B. (Donna) Heitkamp, and one sister, Mary Jane Heitkamp; a nephew and his wife, Jim (Debra) Heitkamp II, and nephew Robert Schroeder; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chester and Dorothy Collins.

Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Amy Terhune will officiate the service. Following the service friends are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship in the Reception Hall at the funeral home. A private interment will take place in Oakwood Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Saginaw Rescue Mission or First United Methodist Church of Saginaw.

Please share memories of Joe with his family at the funeral home or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.