When Donald was 10 years old his family homesteaded in Montana, two years of depression and drought caused them to lose it all. On the drive back to Nebraska, they ran out of gas, food, money, and tires in Yankton, South Dakota. The Salvation Army stepped up and rescued them. He continued to be grateful and supported them the rest of his life. Once his father passed away when he was twenty, he stepped up into the role of supporter. He was recruited by the Aircraft Industry of Wichita, which helped him to be able to continue sending support back to his family in Nebraska.
In Wichita, Donald met Marjorie while attending Grace Methodist church. He entered the Army Air Corp in January of 1944 and served honorably. Marjorie and Donald Wittstock were united in marriage on Nov. 21, 1945 in McPherson, Kansas. Together they celebrated 69 years of marriage.
He completed his college degree in three years and shortly after went to work for the federal government.
He retired from the IRS in 1980 as Chief of Review. He valued a good education and provided the education his daughters wanted.
Donald instilled a love of travel, camping and woodworking in his daughters. He would tackle any construction or remodeling job that was needed by any of his family, friends or neighbors. After moving from their Wichita home he spent the last two years at The Joy Home where he continued finding tasks that needed his special touch.
Donald is survived by his daughters Mary Wittstock and Dr. Jane Wittstock, sister Dolores Somer, brother-in-law Darrel (Gay) McCurdy, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie R. Wittstock; father Carl Wittstock; mother Grace M. Spanjer Wittstock; brothers Darrel A. Wittstock and Arlo D. Wittstock; and sister Lavina A. Schlueter.
A visitation for Donald will be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery, 12100 E 13th St N, Wichita, Kansas 67206, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donald's memory may be made to The Salvation Army, 350 N Market St, Wichita, Kansas 67202 US, https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/wichita/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MyLakeviewFuneralHome.com for the Wittstock family.
