Wayne Witkop

Wayne Richard Witkop, 61, of Pine River, MN passed away unexpectedly at Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center on January 2, 2024. He was born on March 6, 1962, to Richard and Florence Witkop of Chicago, IL. Wayne attended Frazee High School and then joined the U.S. Coast Guard. Wayne and Bonnie Brill were married in Park Rapids, MN on Dec. 24,1988.

Wayne worked various jobs in management and started his own real estate appraisal business, Witkop Appraisals. Wayne loved muskie fishing, and his favorite place to be was on the water. His latest passion was creating his own lures, which led to him catching his largest muskie of 52 inches. He also loved deer hunting, Coca-Cola, and being first in line at holiday meals.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Richard, and his grandparents. 
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Pine River, his mother, Florence Witkop of Park Rapids, his sons, Wes Witkop (Caitlyn Kohl) of Brainerd, Wade (Mindi) Brill of Breezy Point, and daughter, Heather (Joe) St. Clair of Lake George, his brother Gary (Debbie) Witkop of Arvada, CO, Scott (Amy) Witkop of Buffalo, MN, sisters Sharon Asp of Park Rapids, and Diane (Donny) Schermerhorn of Lake Park, MN, his grandsons Brendan, Keaton, and Landen Brill, and many nephews and nieces.

A private memorial event will be held this summer.