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As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home:
Former veteran and Chassell resident, Jack Witting, passed away at his home in Vero Beach, FL on May 1, 2020 from declining health following a stroke in November 2019. Jack “Jocko” was born on August 2, 1938 in Hancock, and was one of seven siblings of Mary and John Witting Sr.
He lived an exciting life, entering the US Navy out of high school where he was on tour throughout the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Upon honorable discharge from the Navy, he moved to Key West, Florida where he owned a canvas shop and tool rental company. He later moved back to Hancock Michigan where he owned Drake and Witting Builders, was a member of the Elks Lodge and Hancock City Council.
Jocko immensely enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, a good Western movie (preferably John Wayne), bird watching, drives through the Keweenaw in his yellow Tbird, hunting at both Camp Wanabuk and in North Dakota, and a hot sauna followed by a cold Sam Adams.
Jack and his wife, Gertrude, have two children: Robert of Chassell, and Susan of Delray Beach, Florida. Robert currently owns Witting Contracting, Inc. and Susan owns Global Human Resources Expert Consulting as well as Home Instead Senior Care – Palm Beach County. The family started migrating to Florida a few years back and spent considerable time at their home in Vero Beach, where Jack recently passed.
Dad we will cherish each and every memory. Thank you for your kindness and generosity: you never wanted for anything and gave everything to everybody. May you rest in peace and quiet.
Jack is preceded in his death by his parents Mary and John Witting (Hancock), his sister Carol (Witting) Coppo (Green Bay, WI), nephew Chad Witting (Orlando, FL), and twin brother Al Witting (Hancock).
He is survived by his wife, Gertrude (Nicholas) Witting of Chassell; a son Robert (Lori) Witting of Chassell and their daughters Olivia Witting of Chassell and Sophia Witting of Delray Beach, Florida; a daughter Susan Witting of Delray Beach, Florida; brothers James (Sandy) Witting of Chassell, George (Lois) Witting of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and Bruce (Debbie) Witting of Hancock; a sister, Margaret (John) Ylitalo of Hancock; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Graveside services will. be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 20, 2020 at section 11 of Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. The Copper Country Veterans Association will be conducting military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Hancock High School Alumni Association.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.
