Obituary of Melvin Clarence Wittekind

Mel C. Wittekind, 91, of Cullowhee, NC passed away January 27, 2016 at his home in Caney Fork, surrounded by family. He was born in Mt. Healthy, Ohio to Clarence and Elsie Braun Wittekind on December 28, 1924. He served in the US Navy during WWII reaching the rank of LT. (JG) USN. He graduated from Brown University in 1947 where he earned degrees in Naval Science and Civil Engineering and was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. A resident of Jackson County since 1962, his life work included building construction, architectural design, and vocational instruction. He enjoyed the outdoors, walking in the woods in the rain, fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Virginia Eyler Wittekind, and children: Melanie Wittekind Folkman (John), Dick Wittekind (Linda), Gina Wittekind Tebrugge (Adam), Patty Wittekind Forner (Danny), Lisa Wittekind McDonough (Bill), John Wittekind (Rachel). He is survived by 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one sister, June D'Ippolito Watson. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Sylva at 11:00 am on Monday, February 1, with Father J. A. Voitus officiating. Burial will follow in the Lower Coward Cemetery on Caney Fork. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 pm on Sunday, January 31, at Appalachian Funeral Services. There will be a short Eulogy at the funeral home after the visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Food Pantry at St. Mary Church, Dialysis Center, Hospice, or your favorite charity. . .