Obituary for John Wittchen
WITTCHEN, John
1931 – 2021
Mr. John Wittchen of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at Aspen Ridge, Red Deer on Monday, March 1, 2021 at the age of 89 years. John, the fifth of nine children of Gotfried and Eliza Wittchen was born in Fenner, Alberta and raised in Hanna, Alberta. John had a larger than life personality, and he was passionate about many things. Ever the sports enthusiast, John played an active role in the minor sports organizations his children were involved with, and any associated community events. He loved the Junior A Rustler Hockey Teams of the 1970’s and was one of the original season ticket holders for the Red Deer Rebels. His simultaneous love for the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays was a paradox, for sure. Anyone who played fastball in Red Deer in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s can attest to the authority with which he made umpiring calls. After moving with his wife, Laura, and young family to Red Deer from Drumheller, John was employed at the Red Deer Advocate for many years. In his retirement, he took pleasure in puttering around their beautifully kept yard. He also loved hopping into their motorhome for a camping trip. They didn’t have to go far - usually just to the Penhold Bridge - but he was happy anywhere; as long as he had his kids and grandkids with him. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-nine years, Laura, his three sons, Terry (Sue) of Red Deer, Alberta, Larry (Jackie) of Osoyoos, British Columbia and Steve of Red Deer, Alberta; his two daughters, Deb (Rich) of Red Deer, Alberta and Wendy (Anne) of Houston, Texas. His passing also leaves an empty place in the lives of his seven grandchildren and his eleven great grandchildren. John will also be sadly missed by his sister, Elsa Wallace of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and his sisters-in-law, Evelyn Wittchen of Drumheller, Alberta and Jean Ryan of Delta, British Columbia; as well as numerous extended family members. John was predeceased by his parents, seven siblings and two sons, Gary and Barry. The family would like to extend their thanks to the Staff at Aspen Ridge for the kind, compassionate and gentle care they showed John. A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
1931 – 2021
Mr. John Wittchen of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at Aspen Ridge, Red Deer on Monday, March 1, 2021 at the age of 89 years. John, the fifth of nine children of Gotfried and Eliza Wittchen was born in Fenner, Alberta and raised in Hanna, Alberta. John had a larger than life personality, and he was passionate about many things. Ever the sports enthusiast, John played an active role in the minor sports organizations his children were involved with, and any associated community events. He loved the Junior A Rustler Hockey Teams of the 1970’s and was one of the original season ticket holders for the Red Deer Rebels. His simultaneous love for the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays was a paradox, for sure. Anyone who played fastball in Red Deer in the ‘70’s and ‘80’s can attest to the authority with which he made umpiring calls. After moving with his wife, Laura, and young family to Red Deer from Drumheller, John was employed at the Red Deer Advocate for many years. In his retirement, he took pleasure in puttering around their beautifully kept yard. He also loved hopping into their motorhome for a camping trip. They didn’t have to go far - usually just to the Penhold Bridge - but he was happy anywhere; as long as he had his kids and grandkids with him. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of sixty-nine years, Laura, his three sons, Terry (Sue) of Red Deer, Alberta, Larry (Jackie) of Osoyoos, British Columbia and Steve of Red Deer, Alberta; his two daughters, Deb (Rich) of Red Deer, Alberta and Wendy (Anne) of Houston, Texas. His passing also leaves an empty place in the lives of his seven grandchildren and his eleven great grandchildren. John will also be sadly missed by his sister, Elsa Wallace of Ocean Springs, Mississippi and his sisters-in-law, Evelyn Wittchen of Drumheller, Alberta and Jean Ryan of Delta, British Columbia; as well as numerous extended family members. John was predeceased by his parents, seven siblings and two sons, Gary and Barry. The family would like to extend their thanks to the Staff at Aspen Ridge for the kind, compassionate and gentle care they showed John. A Celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.