John Fredrick Witzel

John Fredrick Witzel was born on February 15, 1937, in Hines, Oregon, to Fred and Pearl Witzel. He passed away on January 20, 2026.

Fred grew up on the family ranch near Frenchglen. He had three older half-sisters – Marion, Betty and Daisy. He went to grade school in Frenchglen, and graduated from Crane High School in 1954. While in high school, he met a girl from Drewsey, that would become his lifelong partner.

On Dec. 1, 1954, Fred and Darlene Newell, along with his parents drove to Winnemucca, Nev., and the two were married. Their first home was on the family ranch, raising cattle in the Krumbo valley and Steens Mountain.

Fred and Darlene had four children. Their first child, Vicki, was born in Ontario, in 1956; John was born in Ontario, in1959; Debbie was born in Ontario, in 1962; and Mike was born in Burns, in 1966.

Through the years, Fred and Darlene continued to expand and improve their cattle operations. In addition to their commercial cattle, they ran a small registered red angus herd for a time. They were the first in the area to modernize their haying process from loose hay to bales. Fred was selected to receive the Grassman of the Year award, because of the ranching and farming improvements and innovations he and Darlene made.

In 1973, they moved their ranching operations to Diamond, after buying Fred's uncle's ranch on McCoy Creek. Fred and Darlene continued to raise cattle there until they sold out in 1988, and moved to Burns.

Fred's interests and talents were complex. As a young man, he got his pilot's license and used it for fun as well as work. He took to the air in airplanes and helicopters for doctor appointments in Idaho, hunting coyotes, running wild horses, checking on cattle, and even flying to visit friends for an afternoon. He passed his passion for flying down through his family, and has grandsons that are now pilots.

Along with Darlene and a neighboring couple, Fred was in a band that played music for community dances throughout the county. They traveled many miles, with Fred's guitar, amp and cases full of sheet music, playing western music for the attendees to enjoy. He also played the saxophone, beginning while in the high school band. When one of his granddaughter's showed interest in learning to play, he gifted his saxophone to her, and then attended many school concerts to hear her.

A cowboy at heart, Fred continued to help friends with cattle work, even after moving to town. He was in great demand during branding season, and very seldom had a day when he wasn't roping calves somewhere. When it was time to ship calves, he again had a full calendar and could be counted on to show up in rain, sleet, or snow. He liked the work, but also enjoyed visiting, pulling pranks, and giving the younger cowboys a hard time.

Fred spent several summers on Steens Mountain, guiding pack trips. He was a hit with the guests, and always had comical stories to tell about the trips.

Throughout his life, Fred spent 1,000s of hours volunteering. He served on the Harney County Fair Board, as well as the Fair Association, as director of the livestock division and horse racing. The time and work that he put in for the fair was recognized and honored in 2003, as he was selected to be that year's Grand Marshal.

Fred also served as a member of local school boards, budget boards and the FSA board

He was an outstanding equipment operator, and could mechanic on just about any machine put in front of him. If he didn't immediately know how to repair something, he would figure it out. When home computers and internet became available, he quickly learned how to use technology as his instructional guide.

After selling the ranch, Fred and Darlene had the time to travel and see new country. They made trips throughout the western states, into the Midwest, and to Canada. He was always ready for an adventure – this took him on wild pig hunts in California and Arizona, car deliveries to Alaska, opal mine operations in Nevada, bull truck driving through Chicago, water skiing in Catlow Valley and the list goes on and on.

Fred is survived by his children, Vicki (Jim) Baker, John Witzel, Debbie (Hoot) Raney, and Mike (Georgy) Witzel. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; several step-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter to be born in May; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Darlene; his parents; and his three half-sisters.

At his request, there will be a private family service. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Crane Booster Club, in care of LaFollette's Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720; or sent directly to the Club, P.O. Box 828, Crane, OR 97732.