02/21/2022

Obituary for Nicholas A. Hogenkamp

Former President, Father of Nicholas C. Hogenkamp and Brother of B. Jay Hogenkamp, all of N.J. Hogenkamp Sons, Inc.

Well known resident and local businessman, Nicholas A. Hogenkamp, died peacefully at Otterbein SeniorLife Community in St. Marys, Ohio, on Saturday, February 19, at the age of 89. He was born on April 23, 1932, in Minster, Ohio to Nicholas P. And Rosella J. (Vallo) Hogenkamp. He was raised in Minster where he lived most of his life.

After graduating from Minster High School in 1950, he attended the University of Dayton for two years until 1952 when he was drafted into the Army. He served in the Korean War as Corporal and was a Tank Commander. Upon returning from the war in 1953, he soon married his high school sweetheart, Thelma Bornhorst on June 8, 1954. He then completed his studies graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1956.

Upon returning from college, Nicholas joined his father, Nicholas P., at N.J. Hogenkamp Sons Funeral Service in Minster becoming the fourth generation in the family business. He took over the business in 1963 upon the death of his father and served as president of the company for 37 years and stayed involved in the business part-time for many years following. During his tenure, the business grew to include three funeral homes and served Auglaize, Mercer and Shelby counties and beyond.

Nicholas was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and a member of the church choir for 62 years. He served on the Minster Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Civic Association and Knights of Columbus.

His is survived by his wife of 67 Years, Thelma (Bornhorst), and five children, Jayne (Marc) Spiegelman of Los Angeles, CA, Nicholas C. (Susan) Hogenkamp of Minster, OH, Thomas (Jane) Hogenkamp of Naples, FL, Julia (Joseph) Schwegman of Birmingham, MI, and Helen (James) Saber of Rochester Hills, MI. He had 13 grandchildren, Joseph Hess, Nicholas Matthew (Elizabeth), Andrew and Benjamin (Deanna) Hogenkamp, Douglas and Diane Hogenkamp, Claire, Joseph, Eric and Jack Schwegman, Christopher, Abby and John Saber, and one great-grandchild, Mary Emmaline Hogenkamp. He is also survived by two brothers, Dale (Linda) Hogenkamp of Kettering, OH and B. Jay (Lois) Hogenkamp of Celina, OH and a sister, Ann (Dan) Jacobs of Delaware, OH. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jon Hogenkamp, and his sister Karen Herchen.

Nicholas enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his children and grandchildren. In their later years, he and his wife enjoyed long car trips to see family throughout the country and cruises to various parts of the world.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 25 at 10:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, with Fr. Frankline Rayappa celebrant. Burial with full military honors to follow at St. Augustine Cemetery. Viewing will be held Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grand Lake Hospice. Condolences may be left at www.hogenkampfh.com.