Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Wellington Witkop Obituary
Pastor Wellington P. Witkop
SPRINGFIELD - Pastor Wellington P. Witkop, 86, of Springfield, passed into life eternal at 9:45 a.m. on January 11, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center.
Wellington was born December 23, 1925, the son of Peter and Elinda Lundeen Witkop. He married Marilyn Palmquist on September 15, 1956 in Bethesda, Iowa.
Wellington faithfully served our country in the United States Army of occupation, post WWII. He received a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Augustana Seminary, Rock Island, Illinois, in 1956. Beginning in 1956 Wellington served as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Springfield, for 33 years. He also served as a volunteer chaplain for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Prison and Family Ministry, at the Lincoln Correctional Facility, for 15 years. Wellington lived his life with enthusiasm, compassion, and faithfulness. He dedicated his life to serving God, his family, and all people.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, of Springfield; his children, Paul (wife, Betsy) Witkop of Phoenix, AZ, John (wife, Ruthann) Witkop of Colorado Springs, CO, Philip Witkop of Springfield, and David (wife, Lisa) Witkop of Omaha, NE; and ten grandchildren, Sarah, Jack, David, Joshua, Daniel, Bethany, Jeremiah, Jacob, Moriah, and Nathaniel.
Family Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Parish Life Center, 2477 West Washington St., Springfield, IL 62702.
Resurrection Celebration: 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 16, 2011 at St. John's Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Prison and Family Ministry, 1001 E. Touhy Avenue, Suite 50, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wellington Witkop
Dale & Patty Poos
January 8, 2022
Patty and I credit Pastor Witkop, through the Holy Spirit, with growing in the Word.
Mark Freburg
February 12, 2012
Pastor Witkop was my example of what a pastor should be--and could be--during my formative years. Throughout my lifetime I've not found a man as in tune with what it means to shepherd the flock. Pastor Witkop was a blessing to me during my years in Springfield, and I pray that he knew that. I offer my sympathies to the Witkop family now, with confidence and joy that we all meet again in Heaven.
Karl Freburg
January 21, 2012
Dear Witkop Family,
I thank God often for the influence that Pastor Witkop had on me during an important time on my Christian journey. He always took time for me when I sought some advice or more often sought his knowledge. He was truly a servant leader and someone for anyone to emulate. I want you to know that I am praying for your peace, comfort and wellbeing. May God continue to bless you now and always! Love in Christ, Karl Freburg
Linda Stephenson
January 18, 2012
Dear Marilyn and family,
My thoughts and prayers go to you during this difficult time. Pastor Witkop was a truly wonderful Christian man. His love touched everyone. He will be missed by all.
Jeff Seward
January 18, 2012
Dear Whitkop family,
We thank the Lord for blessing us with a special friendship with Wellington. He was truly a gift from God to the world and those who had the privilege to know him. As one-time neighbors, we loved to fondly call him Reverend Whitkop. He always carried a genuine smile and had beautiful outlook on life. I recall having a brief conversation with him about his devotional time with the Lord. He said humbly that he would not leave his time in God's presence until he heard a word from Lord. That has profoundly stuck with me! Someone quoted, "One life will soon be past, only what is done for Christ will last." Wellington faithfully lived his life for Christ and we could see it! May the Lord comfort you and give you great joy in Wellington's home-going knowing with confidence you will see him again, and so will we. Bless the Lord for a great example and faithful servant!
Jan Metz
January 18, 2012
The friendly smile and warm hand shake will always be a fond memory of Pastor. We have fond memories of our Faith Lutheran family. He will be missed. Our prayers are with your family. Brian shared with us your family whereabouts. Good to hear that all are doing well. In Christ, Jan and Dick Metz
Wayne and Babs Reynolds
January 16, 2012
"Well done Good and Faithful Servant" Our prayers for comfort and healing are with you all. We rejoice in the knowledge that we will see Pastor Witkop again.
We Love You All,
Eric Seward
January 15, 2012
Dear our fond neighbors the Witkops,
Joy and I send our love. Pastor Witkop as we called him on Ivywood Drive, was the epitome of a joyful, godly man. He was a blessing to my family especially to my parents Claire and Jean Seward. After my dad passed away, he would serve my mom by mowing her lawn faithfully. About twenty five years ago, I recall standing out on the side walk talking about the God he loved and served. Men like him, are one reason why we keep trusting Christ in a difficult world. I remember your family coming and going during the 70'S and 80's. What an industrious place the Witkops house! When I think of him and you, I smile inside. We were blessed to have known him. I am sure your dad wants you sons and grand kids, to stay in love with the one he loved, Jesus the Lord. I was in town a few weeks ago and stopped by your home. I wish I could of seen him. So,I wait for the day I will walk and talk with this godly man on the other side. Eternally greatful.
Dale & Patty Poos
January 15, 2012
To the Witkop family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. We have many fond memories of our time spent in Springfield and at Faith church.
It's a great feeling to know that a loved one is now with our Lord.
Nancy Crawford
January 15, 2012
I remember Pastor Witkop when he was with Faith Lutheran on Whittier. He was a good man, and will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Marty Nantkes
January 15, 2012
May God ease your sorrow through the love and prayer of all the lives touched by Pastor and your family. We have fond memories of Pastor's loving spirit, warm smile, and genuine happiness. Sorry we are unable to extend our sympathy in person at this time, but you are all in our prayers.
John Penning
January 15, 2012
Deb and I wish we could be there so that we could offer our condolences and share our memories in person but we are in California. We will always remember that awesome smile, friendly wave and warm handshake.
John & Deb Penning
Emily Penning
January 14, 2012
To the Witkop Family -
I can only echo Lisa's sentiments and send my sincerest condolences. As an Ivywood neighbor, I fondly remember Pastor's awesome, friendly wave when I walked or rode my bike past the house; his great smile is a part of my childhood I cherish. I, too, have moved away so I'm unable to be there, but your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Emily Penning
Lisa Lemmon
January 14, 2012
My dearest neighbors of so many years,
I am very sorry to hear we have lost such a great part of our lives. Your Dad touched my life and so many others in many ways. I will never forget vacation bible school every summer, the big smile your Dad always had on his face, your Dad's passion for lawn mowing, his unconditional love he had for his family and friends, etc.... He truely touched more lives than anyone else I know. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life and see all of you guys, however, since I live in Florida, it will not be possible. Please know that I am thinking and praying for your family during this difficult time.
Love, Lisa Lemmon
The Alvin Krell, Jr. Family
January 14, 2012
My sympathy to Marilyn and family. We felt it was a privilege to know Pastor as a spiritual leader and friend. You can find joy in knowing how many lives he touched. Your friends in Christ,
Susan Nelson Kessler
January 14, 2012
Dearest Witkop Family,
Pastor was an important part of my family's lives. I have fond memories of him I will always cherish. May your sadness be comforted by knowing he was truly one of God's special messengers.
Phyllis Lape
January 14, 2012
Marilyn and Family:
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I know he was a special person and will be missed.
Judy and Terry Ahrens
January 14, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Louise Chriswell
January 14, 2012
Was sad to here of your loss. May GOD bless you. Marilyn I worked with you at Plus One. Love to you & your family.
Irv and Joan Muncy
January 14, 2012
Dear Marilyn and Family,
Irv and I were sad to hear about our former pastor's passing.
He was a dear and good man.
As you may or may not know, we have been living in Florida for about 8 years.
Please accept our sincere sympath and may the Lord be with you all at this time , and always
January 14, 2012
Marilyn and Family:
Our deepest sympathy at this sad time.
Pastor was a special part of our lives,he married Lee and I 35 yrs ago.
I visited with him this past summer, so wonderful have that special time with him. He will be missed.
Lee and Fay Birdsell
Bob Simpson
January 14, 2012
John, Carol & I wish to convey our sincere condolensces on the passing of your father. May God give you comfort in this trying time.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Wellington Witkop's name
Memorial Events
for Wellington Witkop
How to support Wellington's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Wellington Witkop's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
