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Allen Wittchow Obituary
Allen W. Wittchow, age 89, of LaCrosse, WI, formerly of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Eagle Crest South Assisting Living, LaCrosse, WI.
Funeral Services are 3:00 PM Sunday, April 17, 2016 at First English Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Rev. Cheryl Davis will officiate. Visitation will be at First English Lutheran Church on Sunday from 1:00-3:00 PM. Entombment will be in Forest Hill Mausoleum. Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI is assisting the family (condolences can be sent to ritchayfuneralhome.com).
Allen was born May 8, 1926 in Watertown, WI to Reuben and Helen (Mallow) Wittchow. He married JoAnn B. Osterberg on June 17, 1951 in Alexandria, MN.
Allen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1950 where he also was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He performed an ophthalmology residency training at the Mayo Clinic. Allen owned and operated his own medical practice in Wisconsin Rapids for 33 years retiring in 1991.
Allen served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from December 7, 1943 until January 12, 1945. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club. Allen enjoyed reading, gardening, birdwatching and travel. He and his wife, JoAnn traveled extensively including several trips to Asia and Europe, as well as South America and Antarctica.
Allen is survived by his wife, JoAnn; sons, William (Barb)Wittchow of Burnsville, MN, Dr. Robert (Nancy) Wittchow of Whitefish Bay, WI, Dr. Richard (Cathy) Wittchow of Onalaska, WI and Steven (Tina) Wittchow of Burnsville, MN; daughter, Tina (Brian) Wittchow Christy of Delafield, WI; 15 grandchildren, Chad Christy, Chessa (Scott) Christy Repa, Casey Christy, Caitlin Christy, Michael (Samly)Wittchow, Matthew (Christine) Wittchow, Andrew Wittchow, Haley Wittchow, Elizabeth (Matt) Wittchow Amelon, Mark Wittchow, Emily Wittchow, Eric Wittchow, Edward Wittchow, Emma Wittchow, and Evan Wittchow; and 7 great grandchildren, Lucia Repa, Ruby Repa, Lexie Wittchow, Landon Wittchow, Bennett Wittchow, Weston Wittchow and Ella Amelon.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John Wittchow.
Memorials can be designated to Martin Luther College (please make designation to the Allen and JoAnn Wittchow Scholarship Fund) at 1995 Luther Court in New Ulm, MN 56073 or to the Alzheimer's Association.
"Allen's Christian faith and Lutheran upbringing were important to him. In 2011, Allen and his wife, JoAnn established a scholarship fund at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Allen Wittchow
Sponsored by Ritchay Funeral Home - Wisconsin Rapids.
Becki Swanson
April 21, 2016
Dear Wittchows All,
I was saddened to hear of Allen's passing. He is in my heart and memory as a warm, compassionate man with a wry sense of humor and a gentle spirit. He left a living legacy in his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you for comfort and peace.
With love,
Becki Koerner Swanson
TOM & HELEN LOCKWOOD
April 16, 2016
JOANN AND FAMILY:
WE FEEL BLESSED HAVING KNOWN ALLEN HERE IN FLORIDA.
HE WAS A GENTLE SOUL SURPRISING US WITH HIS QUIET HUMOR.
HIS WALK THROUGH LIFE WITH YOU LEFT A LEGACY THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF THROUGH YOUR MARRIAGE AND THE GENERATIONS YOU CELEBRATE TODAY.
LOVE,
TOM AND HELEN
Nancy Beguin
April 16, 2016
Jo and family, My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you. I will never forget Al's beautiful smile and kind nature. What a privilege to have known him. Mark and I plan to attend the memorial service Sunday. Members of Barson Vilage send their heartfelt sympathies
Kevin Koerner
April 15, 2016
What a loss. Al was a true gentleman and the Patriarch of a phenomenal family. My thoughts and prayers with all of the Wittchows.
Rodell and Beverly Mallow
April 15, 2016
I am proud to say Allen was my cousin. He and his wife dedicated their lives to helping people. They knew how expensive it was to get an education in the medical field, so we are donating to their scholarship fund to help others.
We send our condolences to the family and know he will be missed by many people.
John Batzer
April 15, 2016
I did not know your husband or father. However, after working with many of you around the Fence Lake Home, I can see that he was a great person and family man. I appreciate his true Christian Faith and support of Martin Luther college, as our daughter also attended there. I'm sure he will be missed, but you know he is now with Jesus in Heaven.
Richard Stenerson
April 14, 2016
What a life this wonderful man lived. He gave so much to his family, to his friends & patients for all these years. Must celebrate his life. He made a huge difference in a most positive fashion. Thinking of your family.
Ashley Storandt
April 14, 2016
Dear Wittchow Family,
It was a great joy for me caring for Allen during his stay at ECS. His smile would always brighten my day, the laughs we had will always be treasured. He will be missed by all of us.
Ann Secord
April 14, 2016
I've long had fond memories of dear Dr. Wittchow since I was first found to be "blind as a bat" in first grade. Were it not for my first eye doctor I would probably have lost my vision given the abnormal growth of my eyes! I had new appreciation for his skills when I attended Med school and learned even more about eyes and what a wonderful ophthalmologist we had in our little town of Wisc. Rapids. He certainly made a huge impact in his life.
Todd & Sherry Sowatzke
April 14, 2016
To Mrs. Wittchow, Rich, and family, Our sincere condolences, I'll always remember Dr. Wittchow, a great man, and a great family! I've always remembered the Badger game Rich we went to with your Mom and Dad, ( Even though we got beat 52-0 by OU) it was a highlight of my childhood! God bless the whole family in these sad times!
Stacy Maier
April 14, 2016
Our sincere condolences from the Maier family. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Scott Proksch
April 14, 2016
Dear JoAnn and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so blessed to have met Allen during his stay at ECS. My mom enjoyed talking with him. While I didn't know him long, I will miss him. God Bless.
Scott and Patty Fleischfresser
April 14, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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