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December 19, 2024The Celebrant will be Fr. Terry Roder. Music will be by Marilyn Hundling and the St. Bernard’s Choir. Lectors and Gift Bearers will be John’s grandchildren. Eucharistic Minister will be Barb Hoffman. Casket Bearers will be Matt Wittry, Mike Wittry, Steve Hoffman, Tyler Eastman, Thomas Hamski and Jacob Wittry. Burial will be in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Breda with military honors conducted by the Breda American Legion.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with a Christian Wake Service at 7 p.m. Additional visitation will be from 9-9:45 a.m. on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left at the funeral home or the church for a later designation.
Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for John’s family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Born on March 27, 1931, John lived a full life marked by love, laughter, faith, and service to others.
John married the love of his life, Marri Gehling Wittry, and together they built a beautiful life over 68 years of marriage. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and partnership.
A proud veteran, John served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a lifelong member of the American Legion. After his service, he returned home to his true calling as a farmer, raising purebred Angus cattle and working the land with dedication. In addition to farming, John worked as a rural mail carrier, forming friendships along his route and in the community.
John’s life was filled with music, often singing his favorite songs—It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More, Oh Johnny, and Let Me Call You Sweetheart—whether in the car or while driving the combine. His joy for life was contagious, especially when it came to his love of ice cream, famously reminding his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, “There’s always room for ice cream.”
John found great joy in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities, including basketball games, music concerts, livestock shows, and school plays. He was their biggest cheerleader, always proud of their accomplishments and quick to share in their joy.
A man of many talents, John was an accomplished woodworker who crafted beautiful furniture for his family, leaving behind cherished heirlooms. He was a gifted athlete and competitor who enjoyed baseball, softball, bowling, horseshoes, and golf. He also loved teaching and hosting neighborhood volleyball games, bringing the community together with his warmth and generosity.
John was known for his easygoing nature, his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, and his wide circle of friends. He was a great teacher and a kind, helpful neighbor who could always be relied upon to lend a hand or share his wisdom.
John’s faith guided his life, and he was a devoted Catholic who lived his values by serving his church and community. He was a lay distributor of communion, often lectured at Mass, and sang in the choir. His unwavering devotion to his faith was a cornerstone of his life, inspiring those around him.
Known for his humor and playful spirit, John loved to tease and laugh, endearing him to everyone he met. His warmth, kindness, and “onery” sense of humor will be deeply missed.
John leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
John is survived by his wife Marceal, his children Barb (Mark) Hoffman of Lake City, David (Mary) Wittry of Breda, Kevin (Gail) Wittry of Jefferson, Kris (Dan Derengowski) Eastman of Ames, and Keith (Karen) Wittry of Sac City, 13 Grandchildren; and 19 Great -Grandchildren, Brothers-in-law Larry (Mary Lou) Gehling, and Phil (Jayne) Gehling, Sisters-in-law Joan Wittry, Catherine Wittry, Jane Wittry, and Eileen Gehling, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.
John was preceded in death by his parents Bernard & Magdaline (Snyder) Wittry, his parents-in-law William & Agnes (Staiert) Gehling, his sister Della (Pat) Nieland, his brothers Eugene, Dale, Romayne, and Kenneth and his brothers and sisters-in-law Pat Nieland, Dorothy (Louis) Hoffman, Alitta (Harold) Lansink, Raymond (Lenore) Gehling, William Jr. (Janet) Gehling, David Gehling, and Arthur Gehling.
