WITTMAN, Herbert Walter (Walt)

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, February 20, 2013 Herbert Walter “Walt” Wittman, 88, passed away Feb. 14 [2013]. Walt was born in Kiester, Minn., where he went to school, graduating in 1943. After high school, he went to California, where he worked at Lockheed. He was drafted in the Air Corps, where he served for 39 months. While attending Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, he was contacted by his uncle in Morristown, Ariz., who convinced him to be trained as a telegrapher. That began his 39-year career with the Santa Fe Railroad. While working in Gallup, N.M., he met and married Pat in 1951. Barbara Lynn was born in 1954, and the family moved to Salome, Ariz., in 1955, where Walt was the station agent. Carol Lee and John William were born while living in Salome. In December of 1959, they moved to Wickenburg, where Walt was the agent until the doors were closed. Walt worked in Glendale, Ariz., until he retired in 1986. Walt was a gentle unassuming man and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle. He loved fishing, music, anything to do with airplanes, and mostly his family. He kept close track of the weather and was known for his infectious smile and sense of humor. He was an active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, where he served in various capacities - including Senior Warden and Vestryman. He also was a lifetime member of the Elks. Walt is survived by his wife Pat of 61 years; daughters Barbara (Gary) and Carol (Mike); son John (Karen); 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and one more on the way; sister Margaret; and nieces. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday (Feb. 22) at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Albans Episcopal Church or Wickenburg Community Hospital. Arrangement are under the direction of David’s Desert Chapel in Wickenburg.