D. Rick Wittenburg
October 18, 2013
Obituary
MADISON- D. Rick Wittenburg, age 64, of Madison, died on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, at his home after a brief illness. He was born on Dec. 28, 1948, in Middleton, the son of Donald and Loretta (Raemisch) Wittenburg. On Oct. 1, 1992, Rick married the former Patricia Herrick. He worked for AT&T and Wisconsin Telephone for 43 years, retiring in 2010. Rick enjoyed spending his time attending Badger football games. In addition to his wife, Rick is survived by his mother, Loretta; three step-daughters, Tina Weger, Kelly Friedli and Nicole Mulchay; seven step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Burial will follow at Middleton Junction Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Thank you to Dan and Char Meier for their friendship and wonderful care provided to Rick. Also a special thanks to the Carbone Cancer Center and especially Unit B and Dr. Speers for their care.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Avenue
(608)831-6761
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Memories
SB
Steven Bernd
Other •
Rick,
I remember back in 1968 working the Main Street frame with you; we both at that time were starting out on our long journey with the Telephone Company. Back in those days we worked hard for about $54 a week and would usually spend a sizeable portion of our weekly check at the Paradise. As I recall you loved Rhine wine; which when I drank it caused me considerable consternation.
We both have the same birthdate; and back in the days would celebrate the day together. Time passed and our ways split; however I will always remember your smile and voice.
Travel well my friend.
Steve
JK
Joe Kocvara
Other •
Throughout our careers Rick and my paths would cross. Whether it was as a frame tech. or as an Area Manager 30 some years later. Even in our most serious crises, Rick would have good things to say about everyone working on the problem. Whenever there looked like an end to the crisis, Rick would turn from "serious Rick" to "lighthearted Rick". Rick was a good man that will be missed in this world.
PF
paige Friedli
Other •
Grandpa Rick! Oh, where to start. I remember coming over for christmas or thanksgiving and you had all your tvs and stereos on. Everyone could never figure it out and when we asked you, all you did was press one button and everything came on! I also remember you made the best kiddy cocktails and you always had a fully stocked bar for when the family came over. Thank you so much for everything you have given this family. We will all miss you dearly. Love you Grandpa.
JS
Judy Fish & Dean Sherwood
Other •
Dear Pat and family,
We are so saddened to hear of Rick's death. Some of Dean's best stories involved Rick from oh so many years ago. We will always miss him even though we haven't seen him in many years. We talked of him so often and continued to say... 'we really need to get together'. We are so sorry for your loss. This is a great picture of Rick.
Judy Fish and Dean Sherwood
ST
Steve Topp
Other •
A few weeks ago I recalled a memory of a sunny fall day in 1967 sitting in your car at Wisconsin School of Electronics listening to the old W.I.S.M deciding what time to meet at the old RUSTY'S tavern! Now I know why the recall of that memory. We worked for the same company but lost track of each other. Godspeed! Topper.
KK
Karen and Mark Kampa
Other •
Your wit, your laughter, your stories, your listening ear, your wisdom, your strength, your friendship and your company will be missed by many at the Village. Rest, my friend. With love, Kampa Family