Obituary of John Lawrence Wittkop

John Lawrence Wittkop, 58, of Duluth, MN received his angel wings on Sunday, March 22, 2015 in Essentia Health Hospice with his loving family by his side. John was born on 9/27/56 in New Port, RI to Lawrence Wittkop and Dorothy (Clear) Wittkop Grill. John became the oldest boy in the family when his brother, Joe, was killed in Vietnam in 1968. He wore the title of "big brother" proudly, with love and compassion. His love of family was a great source of strength to all his family and friends. We were drawn to him because of it. His home was a mecca to anyone who wanted to chat, have a cup of coffee or a brew or two. It was always filled with laughter...so much laughter. John was probably the funniest, wittiest person anyone ever met. If laughter truly was the best medicine, John and everyone around him would live forever. John was also a jack-of-all-trades. He could fix anything. He was very often found helping someone fix something. Carpentry, electrical, plumbing or cars: he excelled at them all. He taught welding at Lake Superior College for some time and was known as a great and patient teacher. He worked at the former Clyde Iron works and until his illness, had worked for Bend-Tec for many years. John attended the former Sacred Heart School and Church. He proudly attained his GED in 1994 at the age of 36. John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Joe. He is survived by, and will be so missed by his son, Larry of Stillwater, MN and daughter, Misty (Ryan) Andersen-Wittkop and their children, Chase and Haven; his significant other, Crystal Hanson and their children, Johnny and Faith; his brothers, Stephen (Liana) of Pittsfield, NH, Jim (Kim), Tim (MaryAnn) and Mark, all of Duluth; and by his sisters, Patricia Hebert, Micki (Bob) Szymczak, and Anita (Jay) Holbein, all of Duluth and Debb Wittkop of Brattleboro, VT; numerous nieces and nephews, countless friends and his furry friend, Buddy. John knew that all we can take with us in the end is love and memories...he took a lot of both with him and left us with just as much. He also believed that if you looked for the bad in people you would find it, and if you looked for the good you would find that: he chose to look for the good. Gathering of family and friends from2pm until the 3pm memorial service Saturday, March 28th at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., 218-624-5200.