Rev. James F. Wittke

HANOVER Rev. James F. Wittke, 59, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 11, 2015, at Hanover Hospital. He was the loving husband of Jennifer A. (Achor) Wittke, Hanover. Together they shared 32 years of marriage. He was born February 28, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late Carl Francis and Geraldine Mae (Erickson) Wittke. Rev. Wittke received his Master of Divinity degree from the Reform Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Wilkinsburg, Pa. and was the Pastor at Westminster Church of York County, Hanover. He did doctoral work in St. Louis, Mo. in church planning and revitalization. Rev. Wittke was a diehard Cleveland sports fan, avid history enthusiast, aspiring gardener and master story teller. A loving husband, father and friend, he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Katherine MacFarlane Wittke Mathis and husband Nathanael, Winston Salem, N.C., Sarah Wittke Williams and husband Jacob, Colts Neck, N.J., Benjamin Erickson Wittke and wife Emily, Kailua, Hawaii, and Victoria Fall Wittke, Winston Salem, N.C.; and brother, Robert Carl Wittke and wife Sharon, South Euclid, Ohio. A service to celebrate the life of Rev. James F. Wittke will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 1 p.m. at Manor Presbyterian Church, 505 Street Road, Cochranville, PA, with the Rev. Daniel H. Perrin officiating. Burial will be in Faggs Manor Cemetery, Cochranville,. Serving as pallbearers will be Benjamin Wittke, Robert Wittke, Peter Achor, William Achor, Nathanael Mathis and Paul V. Houriet III. Contributions in memory of Rev. James F. Wittke may be made to the North East Presbyterian Mercy Fund, c/o R. Gerard, 49 Elm St., New Rochelle, NY 10805. To share memories of Rev. James F. Wittke, please visit www.wetzelfuneralhome.com