Divine Word Father Charles Heskamp, 94, died Jan. 28 in Techny.

He formed a generation of Divine Word missionaries. Among his students, he counted future professors, provincials and a Vatican ambassador.

Born in Cincinnati, Father Heskamp worked in a hardware store after high school. When he was not drafted to serve in World War II, he took this as a sign that he was being called by God to live a life of service.

He entered the Society of the Divine Word in 1946, professed religious vows in 1950 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1958.

Even though he requested to be assigned overseas after his priestly ordination, he cheerfully accepted his assignment to remain in the United States. During his academic career, Father Heskamp served as principal of Divine Word seminaries in Ohio, Wisconsin and New Jersey.

In addition to teaching and administrative work, he served as a pastor in Louisiana and West Virginia.