Obituary of David Charles Wittenberg

David Charles Wittenberg age 78, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 28, 2014. David was born November 20, 1935 in Wisconsin Rapids to Wilbur and Floy (Hirsch) Wittenberg. He attended St. Paul's Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. He married Audrey Anne Gardner on July 11, 1959 in Pittsville, Wisconsin. David was a devoted son and brother, loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and great friend. He radiated positivity and was always willing to lend a hand. He adored his wife and family, never missed his morning coffee and crossword puzzle and loved to travel. He and Audrey wintered in Florida for ten years, renewed their wedding vows at All Saints Church in Lutherstadt-Wittenberg, Germany (July 10, 2000) and took a special trip to Hawaii to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. David was always extremely active. He ran cross-country in high school, loved to golf, was an avid bowler, and enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed tending to his yard (which was perfectly kempt) making sure the birds and squirrels were fed, all of the visiting dogs had a great place to play and of course a comfortable place for family and friends to gather. David's children meant the world to him and he never missed an opportunity to be involved in everything they did. When his son began participating in track and field, David started helping at track and cross-country meets and didn't stop until 2012. Both of his children and his grandson swam competitively, so naturally David timed, officiated or cheered at every meet and remained an ardent LHS swimming supporter throughout his life. David served in the United States Army Reserves. He was engaged in the community as a faithful member and trustee of the United Methodist Church and for many years in the Freemasons and Kiwanis Club. He dedicated 43 years of service to Consolidated Papers, Inc where he worked as a millwright until he retired in 1998. During his tenure at CPI he worked at Biron, Wisconsin Rapids and Research & Development. David is survived by his wife Audrey; two children: Mark (Rhonda) Wittenberg of Wisconsin Rapids and Sara Wittenberg of Portland, Oregon; grandson, David Wittenberg of Jacksonville, Florida, sister, Nancy Habeck of Wisconsin Rapids and sister-in-law Karen Johnson of Hopkins, Minnesota. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Judie. David's life will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 24, 2014 at the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Marty Nolet will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember David with a memorial to the United Methodist Church in Wisconsin Rapids or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.