Wittig – On March 2, 2007 we lost our friend and father, John Philip Wittig, to cancer at the age of 89. Dad was fiercely proud of his four children. Dad was born in Burstall, Saskatchewan on November 20, 1917 to John and Annie Wittig. In 1940 Dad married our Mom, Maria Koch and began raising his family. In 1941 Dad enlisted in the Canadian army where he served as an artillery and munitions instructor. After discharge in 1945, he and Edwin Deutscher co-established the W&D general store in Burstall, Sask..
Boldly, in 1952 Dad relocated his family to Rosemary, Alberta where he purchased a general store from Harry Veiner. For over 20 years Dad’s dedication and intensity created an extremely successful business. In his youth, Dad developed his masterful retail business skills while being employed at Ludwig’s general store in Burstall. In the mid 1970s Dad changed careers to become a realtor in Brooks. In 1980 Dad married Esther and was deeply saddened by her passing in 1995. Dad then retired. Next to business, Dad’s great passion was travel, frequenting sun locations including Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Hawaii, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Barbados and Fiji. This life long passion was shared with many companions. Dad was predeceased by his parents, brothers Henry and Don, wife Maria and subsequent wife, Esther. Dad is survived by his four children: Sharon (Paul) Dyck of Rosemary, Rod (Jan) Wittig of Calgary, Patty (Ralph) Schnieder of Brooks and Eric (Kathleen) Wittig of Coaldale; his sisters: Irene Deutscher and Florence (Melvin) Fauser both of Medicine Hat, as well as his sister-in-law, Marie Wittig of Brooks; plus numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed by his dear companion, Agnes Jensen of Brooks. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 7th at 2:00 PM from Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. John Theiss officiating. A Family Graveside services was held at Brooks Cemetery, Field of Honor. In memory of John, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation for Palliative Care, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, BROOKS, Alberta. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
