In Memory

Gary Martin Witzenburg

Gary M. Witzenburg

Chevy Chase, MD

Gary M. Witzehburg, Capt. US Navy. Ret. of Chevy Chase, MD. passed alway at the age of 72, peacefully on June 28, 2013 after a 15 month battle with cancer. He was the son of Murry and Frances Witzenburg-

He graduated from Des Moines East High and attended Iowa State University under a Naval Scholarship. Starting his career in the Navy after graduation.

After his retirement from the Navy, he decided to become a teacher, and for the past 17 years has taught at Pyle Middle School in Bethesda, MD, retiring in the spring of 2013.

He is the beloved husband of Nina Witzenburg; devoted father of Lisa (Brad) Guyton, Gary M. Witzenburg Jr., Dianna (Doug) Reader and Erika Witzenburg; grandfather of Christian Mielke, Thomas D. and Tyler D. Reader; son of Frances L. Witzenburg and the late Murry W. Witzenburg; brother of Richard (Rosemary) and Dennis (Charlotte) Witzenburg.

Funeral services will be scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Mr. Witz Memorial Fund c/o Pyle middle School in Bethesda, MD. or The Casey House of Montgomery Hospice.

In Memory of

Gary M. Witzenburg

December 7, 1940 - June 28, 2013

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07/02/13 10:18 AM

Margaret Ann Owens (Doetkott)

I am so sorry to hear that Gary lost his battle. He was a good guy. We corresponded and complained about Cancer and it's effects on our lives. He was alway upbeat and forward looking. I will miss his notes and jokes and, most of all, his spirit. God bless his family. maggie owens doetkott

07/02/13 12:38 PM

Janet Ann McCoy (Gustafson)

I did not know of Gary's health problems until he sent the following note on June 11. He was sending all of the regular e-mail to all of our group...almost to the day that he died. The entire Witzenburg family were all well known and very respected in the Pleasant Hill area...long before Pleasant Hill became incorporated. He will always be remembered for his service to his Country...and also for all the funny stories he has sent by e-mail until his final days. Rest in Peace, Mr. Witz! Janet (McCoy) Forbes Gustafson

Janet,

I'm afraid I won't be making our 55th. My cncer has become very aggressive and I'm not sure I will be around. I have gone off all medication, except pain medication and have started hospice care at home. We will keep you advised on my status.

Thanks,

Gary

07/02/13 03:55 PM

Linda May Johnson (Forbes)

Dear Gary:

My naval aviator spouse is sitting here in Maine with me, sort of shaking his head and looking at his feet after having said several days ago that he was unable to speak with you at length during the last reunion because of the bronchitis complications that made him cough frequently. He had planned to "right" that situation at our next opportunity, especially since we are close to a number of military folks of our vintage in our Sun City community who are more or less marching in step waiting to be piped over the side, but all in good and very positive spirits, as has been your example.

Achieving so many of your goals, civilian and military, is obviously a feather in your cap along with the scrambled eggs you wore with pride. Our youngsters today need more of your

kind of long term examples, and I have no doubt you would agree most of our EHS classmates continue sharing in that mantel of excellence and commitment.

We were fortunate to open e-mails from you so often filled with lovely photos or words of inspiration, so I hope your family will follow your lead to continue those offerings to your address list and that they will leave your address list on line for a period of time.

In this instance, I hope others of us will reach out when illness

is upon us to those who would be pleased to share memories or comments of encouragement.

Lastly, each of us would hope we have left behind good deeds that will blossom, and actions that have benefited others. Please rest assured, we are in a better place at a time that's sure to improve because of you.

If this arrives too late for you to read it yourself, I'd ask it be read to others at an appropriate time so they know your Iowa classmates all saluted you to the end.

Linda and Jon Forbes, Capt. USN-ret

Gray, Maine

July 2, 2013

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