Donald Gilbert Wittmann

Donald Gilbert Wittmann was born on September 30th, 1957 in Chicago, IL and passed away on August 11th, 2021 in Rutherfordton, NC where he had recently moved to enjoy beautiful scenery with room for his beloved pups, Rocky and Ginger, to run and play. Don had a heart of gold and will be missed by so many. He is preceded in death by his mother Helen Wittmann and father Gilbert Wittmann. Don spent the majority of his career working for his dad in the G.W. & Sons Produce business, and they also shared a love of classic cars. Despite efforts by family to recreate his mom’s recipes, Don was not shy to share that no one could live up to his mom’s cooking. All who knew Don know that he deeply loved and cared for his parents until their passing, and it brings the family joy in a time of sorrow to imagine him reunited with them once again. Don is survived by his brother Fred (Dawn) Wittmann, sister Susan (Dan) Rotzoll, girlfriend Phyllis Erdman, nieces and nephews, Carrie (Larry) Murphy, Jamie (Luke) Baker, JD (Chelsea) Rotzoll, Freddy (Maggie) Wittmann, Kyle (Angela) Wittmann, and Kelsey Wittmann, great-nieces and nephews, Zachary, Rebekah, Levi, Lily, Niya, Ayla, Sophia, Clara, and Emma, and Cousin Len Bondi and family. Don will also be missed by countless friends, many of whom he considered family, and his fellow Masonic brothers and Shriners.

As a long-time resident of Park Ridge, IL, Don was known for being a helpful neighbor - plowing snow off of sidewalks, checking in on folks, and making sure his Christmas decorations brought smiles to anyone who drove by. While he was known as the guy with classic cars in the garage and rumbling down the street on a Harley, the greatest mark he left with anyone who knew him was his love for kids. Don spent much of his time helping children in need through his charity work to benefit Shriners Hospitals, Toys for Tots, and Special Bikes for Special Kids. To honor Don’s life, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Shiners Hospitals for Children: https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate or another organization that helps children in need.

A private service for family will be held to honor Don followed by a burial at Town of Maine Cemetery. A celebration of Don’s life will be planned for the Summer of 2022 where all of Don’s family and friends can gather together to honor and remember him. Information on this event will be shared this coming Spring. While Don is no longer with us, his kindness and love for others will not be forgotten. Rest in peace, Don – we love you and miss you.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.