Ottoville - Jerome W. "Whitey" Altenburger, 88, died at 8:35 p.m. April 4, 2010, at VanCrest Health Care Center, Delphos.

He was born July 24, 1921, in Ottoville to Andrew and Matilda Schmitt Altenburger, who preceded him in death. On June 5, 1943, he married Velma Martin, who survives in Ottoville.

Mr. Altenburger retired as a truck driver from Dot Truck Lines, Lima. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3740, Ottoville, American Legion Post 715, Fort Jennings, the Teamsters Union and the Delphos Country Club, Delphos. He enjoyed playing golf and fishing. He was a talented athlete and an avid sports fan. He and his wife enjoyed many happy years wintering in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Survivors also include two sons, Gary (Nuan) Altenburger, of Thailand, and Bruce (Sylvia) Altenburger, of Delphos; a daughter, Judy (Mike) Heitmeyer, of Ottoville; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Wilbur (Sally) Altenburger, Paul (Betty) Altenburger and Donald (Betty) Altenburger, all of Ottoville; three sisters, Louise "Sis" Alt, of Ottoville, Dolores "Dolly" Friemoth, of Fort Jennings, and Irene Stechschulte, of Kalida; and two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Altenburger, of Van Wert, and Dorothy Altenburger, of Delphos.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Altenburger; and three brothers, Harold and Hubert Altenburger and Peter Schmitt.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Father John Stites will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Ottoville, with military rites by VFW Post 3740 and American Legion Post 715.

Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, where a Scripture service will be held at 2 p.m. and an American Legion service at 7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice