David Frank Witgen

David Frank Witgen, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and gracious man, passed away from cancer on March 4, 2026 peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born December 5, 1933 in Fowler, MI; the son of Peter and Tillie (Wacker) Witgen.  As a child, David and his 3 siblings survived a house fire causing them to relocate from Fowler to Westphalia. David graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1952. While hoeing in a peppermint field with Rita Rose Thelen, it became clear to David she was the love of his life. He briefly attended WMU but ultimately accepted a job at Oldsmobile. Since David was drafted into the Army and deployed to Germany serving 2 years; marriage to Rita was delayed until October 6, 1956 at St. Mary’s Westphalia Catholic Church. David was a man of deep faith who began a devotion to St. Jude upon entering the U.S. Army and continued it throughout his life. His military service ended and he accepted an apprenticeship position in the Experimental Sheet Metal Department at Oldsmobile where he worked for 44 years.  In 1959, David built not just a house but a home for his wife and six children. David was one of the first lecturers at church, an adult Mass server, Cemetery helper, original Rosary Garden laborer, active on numerous Parish Councils/Fund Raisers, and also a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Society, and the Historical Society. 

David was an avid bowler, hunter, fisherman, photographer, lifetime learner and banjo player usually accompanied by his wife Rita on the piano. They enjoyed dancing together and travelled extensively throughout the United States.  In 1969, they purchased a cottage at Houghton Lake creating lasting family memories of fishing, card playing, and storytelling around the bon fire. David was a self-taught wood and metal craftsman creating cherished pieces of furniture and religious items both for his family and numerous charities. David and Rita were loyal P-W and MSU Spartan fans, but also spent time watching their children and grandchildren playing sports.

David was preceded in death by his parents, a baby son, Bruce A. Witgen; brother, Joe Witgen; sister, Jane (Mike) Rogers; in-laws, John A. Thelen and Theresia (Schmitt) Thelen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bertha (Norbert) Simon, Herm (Bernadette) Thelen, Albert (Elaine) Thelen, Anna (Elon) Goodman, Leon Simon, Elmer (Wilma) Thelen, Bruno (Jean) Thelen, Marvin Platte, and Carol Platte. 

David is survived by his spouse, Rita of 69 years; children, Ralph (LeAnn) Witgen, Dan (Lynette) Witgen, Sharon (Curt) Weber, Glenn (Sue) Witgen, Ken (Kelly) Witgen; 14 grandchildren, Emily (Alex) Guzman, Nick (Kasia) Witgen, Brian (April) Witgen, Trina (Austin) Pline, Kyle (Raechel) Witgen, Tyler (Becky) Weber, Preston (Amber) Weber, Kendrick (Kate) Weber, Jeremy (Alyssa) Witgen, Josh (Autumn) Witgen, Zach (Kelsey) Witgen, Mykena Witgen, Katie (Nick) Bierstetel, Addy (Ryan) Schafer as well as 27 great-grandchildren; one sister, Alice (John H.) Thelen, brothers and sisters-in-law, Regina (Harold) Simon, Aggie (Ken) Stump, Mary Platte, Genny Platte; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family will receive relatives and friends Saturday, March 7, the rosary will be prayed at 3:30pm with visitation from 4-8pm and Sunday, March 8,  the rosary will be prayed at 1:30pm with visitation from 2-8pm at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia, MI.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 9 at 10:30am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Westphalia with Rite of Committal to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Westphalia Fire Department, St. Mary’s School, and Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. A special thank you to the Westphalia Fire Department, Therese Andros in-home RN, for her kindness and gentle way with David since last July. A heartfelt thank you is offered to the entire staff at Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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