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BORN
1950
DIED
2025
Rusty Witwer Obituary
October 13, 1950 – July 11, 2024
Rusty "Wit" Witwer, 74, was born on October 13, 1950 and passed away on July 11, 2024, at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital in Auburn, CA from complications brought on by pneumonia. His brother, Tim and close friend, Cindy were with him.
Wit grew up in Nevada County hunting and fishing with his two brothers, Daniel and Tim, learning their skills from their father, Jack Witwer, the County Game Warden. Rusty was a proud graduate of St. Mary's Elementary and Nevada Union High. He lived and breathed the Grateful Dead, 49ers and Giants.
Wit had a long fire career that included the California Department of Forestry, US Forest Service and FEMA. He is most remembered for his time as the Superintendent of the Hobart Hotshots based in Truckee. During the winters, he was a member of the trail crew at Alpine Meadows Ski Area as well as a member of the Forest Service Gun Crew that fired the military weapons during avalanche control. He enjoyed the fire/avalanche lifestyle and was a lifelong skier. During these years, Rusty was living large in Lake Tahoe, and it is safe to say that fun was had by all. Later, the crew was renamed the Tahoe Hotshots and relocated to Camptonville at which time Wit moved home to Grass Valley.
Rusty was on the path of a dedicated bachelor until he met Weneva "Jeannie" Greer. Jeannie's bubbly personality and big smile won him over and they were married in 1987 enjoying 35 happy years together. She preceded him in 2022, which Rusty never really got over.
For all those that knew Rusty, you know he always appreciated a good party. Please join us for a Celebration of Life at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Ponderosa Hall, on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 1:00. Bills Chuckwagon will provide a BBQ lunch. Beer and wine will be available.
Please RSVP to [email protected] or call 530-282-6280 with questions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rusty Witwer
4 Entries
Tim Witwer
April 1, 2025
dan Collins Sr.
March 26, 2025
May God bless Rusty and thank him for all his magnificent work. Rusty helped many of us improve our tactics and helped use become outstanding firefighters.
John Girton
March 22, 2025
Rusty - one great guy. Sad that he is gone :(
John M Gagliardi
March 22, 2025
Rusty had had polio which affected his right arm. So, to see him catch a baseball with his gloved left hand, put the glove under his right arm & still throw with his left arm was a sight to see. And he was extremely active his whole life. Really a great guy. RIP Rusty. It was an honor to have known you.
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