Obituary of Neil A. Wittrock

Neil Albert Wittrock, age 85, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2017 at Aspirus Riverview Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Rev. Martin Baur will officiate. Entombment will take place at the Forest Hill Cemetery Mausoleum. Visitation will be on Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services on Friday at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net. Neil was born on July 12, 1931 in Wisconsin Rapids to Walter and Erna (Vollert) Wittrock. He graduated from Lincoln High School as a member of the Class of 1949. After graduation, Neil went to work for Consolidated Papers for the next three years. He honorably served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his service was completed, he returned to Consolidated Papers, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. Neil married Lois Burmester on July 24, 1954 in Eitzen, Minnesota. They were blessed with 62 years together and three children. Faith and family were always first in his life. Neil was a faithful member of St. Paul’s his entire life, serving as a member of the school board for several years. The Wittrock family spent many a vacation at various lakes, fishing and enjoying quality time together. He enjoyed woodworking. With the help of his father and brothers, Neil had the unique experience of having built his own home, which he was able to live in until the last three days of his life. He also enjoyed gardening and playing cards. Neil would attract birds to his feeders so that he could marvel at God’s creation, while at the same time, battle with the squirrels. He was an avid sports fan and a supporter of the Badgers and Packers. He enjoyed watching classic television shows like “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Bob Newhart Show.” Neil is survived by his wife, Lois; three sons, Bob (Marcia) Wittrock, David Wittrock and Tom (Debi) Wittrock; six grandchildren, Katie (Jeff) Olszewski, Rachel Wittrock, Zach Wittrock, Jessi (Bob) Halstead, Emily Wittrock and Ben Wittrock; three great-grandchildren, Lauren Olszewski, Alex Olszewski and Elliay Halstead; a brother, William (Elaine) Wittrock; a sister-in-law, Nancy Wittrock; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Loraine Janz, Kenneth “Bud” Wittrock and Herbert Wittrock. Memorials may be designated to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.