Wittrig, Ray (1927-1975)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Jul 3 p. 11

Birth date: 1927 Apr 5

text of obituary:

RAY WITTRIG

Ray Wittrig, son of Ed and Alma (Birky) Wittrig was born at Beemer, Neb. on April 5, 1927; died in Emanuel Hospital, Portland, Ore., on May 29, 1975.

On Dec. 5, 1949, he was married to Ruth Nofziger, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Lavern Van Horn of Grants Pass, Ore. and Margo at home; two sons, Jack and Tim, at home; his parents; two brothers, Russell of Holcombe, Wis. and Wesley of Lebanon, Ore.; three sisters, Nettie Dillon of Albany, Marjorie Schantz of Albany, and twin sister Faye Dykast of Lebanon. He was preceded in death by one daughter and one brother.

On May 30 there was a private burial at the Fairview Cemetery followed by memorial services at the Albany Mennonite Church, of which Ray was a member. James Lapp was in charge of the services.

Ray was employed by Teledyne Wah Chang Metallurgical plant, Albany. On April 29, 1975 there was an explosion and fire in the plant in which Ray was severely burned. He passed away after four weeks of intense suffering.

In his 48 years on earth. Ray endured much physical suffering. In 1947 he had a severe case of polio, and he had major surgery a number of times in the last five years. In this last illness he suffered much pain. He realized this was his last illness and was ready to go. His pastor, James Lapp, spent a great deal of time with him and gave him much comfort.