David Witkop

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David Thomas Witkop, age 80 of Gaylord, passed away at his home on Friday, October 12, 2018.

David was born to Robert and Eileen (McPartlin) Witkop in Detroit on September 6, 1938. One of seven children, David grew up with a deep appreciation for his family. After school, he entered into the Special Services in the Army where he served as a Special Assist Sergeant. On January 18, 1964, he married the love of his life Joanne Ruth Case. David worked as a school counselor in Detroit, where he worked for over thirty years. Despite his retirement, he never gave up his passion for counseling and helping others. David was also a 3rd Order Fransiscan and a Third Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. After he moved to Gaylord, he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Acolyte with St. Mary Cathedral. In his spare time, he enjoyed tending to his garden.

David is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joanne; children Steven (Dawn) Hartzell-Witkop, Wayne (Myann) Witkop, and Justine Witkop; grandchildren Alexandria, Jeremy, Wayne, Paris, Porsha, Kyle, and Ryan; siblings Penelope, Alice, Aaron, and Leo; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Eileen; and brothers Robert and Dennis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary Cathedral on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11a.m.

Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Thursday, October 18 and Friday, October 19, from 3—7p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Mary Cathedral on Saturday, October 20, from 10a.m. until the time of service.  St. Mary Knights of Columbus will offer a rosary Friday evening (Oct 19) at 6:00 pm.

Donations in David’s honor may be made to the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit.

Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.

Friends and family may leave condolences online at nelsonsfuneralhome.com.

9 comments on “David Witkop”

  1. Chris Lenartowicz

    Oh how we will miss you Dave! Always a smile on your face and happy to see others:) Your passion and dedication to all residents in Glen Meadows was superb and you did an amazing job in enlightening all of us with your writings of Meadowlark(our monthly newsletter) for residents, along with your love for gardening. May you have sunshine each and every day and God Bless your wonderful family. SENDING BIG HUGS

  2. Joanne, I’m sorry for your loss. David was wonderful man and was always nice to me when he came in the store when we worked together at Walmart so many years ago. Sending hugs your way.

  3. Patrick Lusch & Family

    I remember the Witkop’s well from my early years at St. Matthew. The Lusch family extends our deepest condolences.

  4. I am so sorry to hear about Dave. We worked together for many, years at Burroughs I have many wonderful memories of him and our many, many talks.

  5. Richard and Becky Shavinski

    To my friend David, over the last four years, I always enjoyed talkng with David at our Men’s meeting on Saturday mornings. Our prayers are with your family at this time.

  6. Joanne, Justine and all family, sure will miss not seeing your Dad at church anymore! He always had a smile on his face and time to share a friendly -chat-. My Mom as well as myself and Terry send our condolences. So very sorry and Sympatjy Hugs

  7. I would like to express my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. When I see somebody that has lived such a long and fulfilling life such as David did, it makes me wonder why man has to die at all. But be assured, God gives us his personal promise found at Revelation 21:4, where he tells us that he will very soon do away with death and sickness from the Earth forever, and then he will resurrect David to perfect life here on Earth, surrounded by family and friends, which has always been God’s purpose for mankind and for the Earth.

  8. Murdis Young Hamlett

    I too am a retired teacher from Detroit and have known David.well over 25 years. He was the best and most valued counselor I have ever worked with. After we both retired, he kept in touch by sending me counseling information and a Christmas card each year. I would always send he and Joann one back. I sensed that something had changed, but wasn’t aware that he had made his transition. God bless his family. He was a beautiful human being!

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