OREGON - Paul Clifford Heitmann, age 85, beloved husband and father went to be with his Lord on August 21, 2026. He was born November 25,1940, in Melrose Park, IL. to Paul Carl and Edna (Krueger) Heitmann. He married Judy Goldsmith on August 3, 1963, in Lafayette, IN

Paul was a proud graduate of Proviso East High School, class of 1958; Concordia University-River Forest, IL class of 1963; interned at St. Paul Lutheran School, Flint, MI 1961-62; and earned a Master of Education-Administration at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD class 1969.

Paul moved his family to Des Moines, IA, where he worked on Governor Robert Ray’s Planning Commission, and for the IA-DOT. In 1977 he joined the WIS-DOT as Director of the Bureau of Railroads and Harbors, retiring after 32 years of service.

He enjoyed traveling to 49 states, Mexico, France, Germany and cruising through the Panama Canal. He also enjoyed playing Bridge, Pinochle, and golf with family and friends. He liked attending live musical theater, was an avid reader of books, and loved watching his Chicago sports teams. “GO CUBS!” and “GO BEARS!”

Paul was a member of Good Shepherd by the Lake Lutheran Church, Stoughton, serving in many capacities. He founded Koinonia, a chancel ministry at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church, which benefitted not only its congregation, but also the Madison Jail Ministry.

Paul’s love of theater led him and his wife Judy to become founders of the Oregon Straw Hat Players community theatre.

Paul is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judy; sons, P. Christopher and Zachary Michael; brother, Dennis (Cheryl) Heitmann; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Carl and Edna; and sisters, Ruth (John) Kramer and Lenore (Eugene) Von Kaenel.

A memorial service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD BY THE LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1860 US Highway 51, Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, with Pastor Douglas Stowe presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd by the Lake Lutheran Church, 1860 US Hwy 51, Stoughton, WI, 53589 or Tunnels to Tower. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Paul Heitmann

November 25, 1940 - August 21, 2026

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