Obituary for Donald George Witynski
November 6, 1934 – May 14, 2023
Donald George Witynski, 88, passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Oak Creek Place in Oak Creek. He was born in Racine on Nov. 6, 1934, the son of the late Louis and Grace (nee: White) Witynski.
Donald graduated from Horlick High School, class of 1953, and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force specializing in radio communications from 1954 to 1958. On Oct. 17, 1959, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rita K. Kaplan, and they were blessed with four children, Louis, Debra, and twins, Donald and Rose Marie. Don was employed by Massey-Ferguson for 28 years. He also owned and operated Associated TV from 1974 to 1986.
Don was a long-time member of St. Rita Catholic Church where he served as an usher for over 50 years. His pastimes included fishing, golf, hunting, bowling, hiking, and jigsaw puzzles. Don loved playing cribbage and sheepshead. He was a very shrewd player who enjoyed relieving others of their quarters. Don will be remembered as a family man who would enjoy an occasional tease and a good joke. Above all, he treasured the time spent with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Rita; children, Louis Witynski of Racine, Debra (Patrick) Gerum of Big Bend, Donald (Laurie) Witynski of Greendale, and Rose Marie (David) Wayne of South Pasadena, Calif.; 12 grandchildren: Donielle Witynski, Aaron Witynski, Maggie Witynski, Max Wayne, Kyle (Addison) Gerum, Riley Wayne, Krista Gerum, Sam Wayne, Erik Gerum, Nick Gerum, Grace Witynski, and Lincoln Witynski; four (soon-to-be five) great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Sterling, Amorina, Chase, and one on the way; sister, Mary Jane (Tom) Kies of Muskego; in-laws, Lawrence (Susan) Kaplan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Louis Witynski Jr. and his sister, Lois (Ed) Kanyuh.
Services
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on May 19 at St. Rita Catholic Church, with Rev. Michael Petersen officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the mass from 10 to 11 am. Memorials to St. Rita Catholic Church have been suggested.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark DeCheck, the caregivers at Oak Park Place, and the nurses at Amedisys Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
Obituary and photo courtesy of Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home.
Local News
The Racine County Eye, which includes the Kenosha Lens, is your source for local news that serves our diverse communities. Subscribe today to stay up-to-date with local news.
Follow us on Facebook: Racine County Eye or Kenosha Lens, and Twitter to make sure you get the latest news.
