John Milton Witzel

WITZEL, John Milton


John Milton Witzel, the only child of loving parents Milton Gustave and Jessie Witzel, was born on the second day of July 1927 in San Francisco, Calif., and passed peacefully in his sleep on the first day of April 2007. He was raised in the California Bay Area, graduating from San Mateo High School in 1945. After graduating he made the decision to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army, serving in both World War II and the Korean Conflict. John met his life long partner and love of his life Margaret Stewart, wedding on March 19, 1949. With family being their main priority in life they raised four children, Bill (Stephanie) of Arcata, Calif., Barbara (Steven) of Hudson, Flor., Karen (Dan) of Sacramento, Calif., and David (Marylou) of Elk Grove, Calif., He was also the proud grandfather of four grandchildren Christopher, William, Holly and Thomas, also great-grandfather of Tyler.

He started his career in sales with Crown Zellerbach Corporation while continuing his commitment to his country working for various political campaigns. He moved to Sacramento becoming the Executive Director of the California Optometric Association. Once again in the political arena John accepted a position with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development moving to the Washington, D.C., area during the Richard M. Nixon administration. John returned to California to lobby for the City of San Diego and other private entities, ultimately partnering with friend Richard Ratcliff to open their own lobbying firm, Applied Strategies. His last position prior to retiring was with the State of California.

John's commitment to his community included his involvement with the California Young Republicans and the Society of Optometric Association Executives. He was the Founder and Chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Capitol Classic Golf Tournament and a guest lecturer for the Masters Program in Public Administration at San Diego State University. Also, a member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, Fresno Chapter American Cancer Society, Sequoia Council, Boy Scouts of America, and the Fresno City and County Chamber of Commerce.

Friends and family are welcome to participate in a celebration of his life on Thursday, April 5, at 2:00 PM at Andrews & Greilich Mortuary at 3939 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, Calif., 916-732-2026. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Parkinson's Association, The Multiple Sclerosis Society or The American Cancer Society.