Vernon J. Wittkop

Vernon "Vern" J. Wittkop 79, Wausau, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born December 16, 1932 in Merrill, son of the late Paul and Elsie (Kluckman) Wittkop. Paul died when Vernon was a young man and Vernon was raised by his step-father, the late Waldo Schulz. On August 28, 1954, he married Esther Hamlin in Merrill. She preceded him in death on December 12, 2006. Vernon worked for Weyerhauser Corp., Rothschild for over 40 years. He also worked preparing taxes for others and always looked forward to tax season. Vernon was past local, state and regional president for the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Wausau. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed spending time with his grandson, socializing at the Eagles Club and traveling the world with his wife, Esther. Survivors include, his daughter, Lynn (Robert) Geier, Wausau; his grandson, Dillon Geier, Wausau; his sister, Vivian Madras, Henderson, Nev.; and many other relatives and friends. Memorial services will be at Noon on Monday, December 26, 2011 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Rev. Gary Schultz will officiate. Friends may call on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital Cardiac Unit and Palliative Care Unit for all the wonderful care and support given to Vernon. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com