Edwin "Ed" L. Wittenbach, 76, formerly of Holton passed away January 29, 2010 at the Veterans Hospital in Topeka. He was born November 10, 1933 in Wetmore, KS the son of Edward and Ina Hawley Wittenbach.
He graduated from Wetmore High School in 1951. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. Ed owned and operated Ed's Tavern from 1957 – 1980, and he also owned and operated Ed's Tastee Freeze from 1966 - 1968 both in Holton. He retired from Dupont/Flexel in Topeka in 1995 and later worked at Sam's Club in Topeka for 5 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post #400. Ed enjoyed working with scouting and American Legion baseball.
He married Pat Barnett D'Orvilliers on December 29, 1956 in Topeka. She survives. He is also survived by sons; Dennis D'Orvilliers (Deb) of Holton, Steve Wittenbach (Reene) of Topeka, Jerry Wittenbach (Kirby) of Topeka; a daughter, Susie Lovelady(Tom) of Silver Lake; a daughter-in-law, Terry Taul of Topeka; 3 sisters, Opal Bryant of Holton, Donna McCulley (Bob) of Holton, and Lola Stattleman (Rich) of Topeka; a brother, Melvin Wittenbach (Loretta) of Downs, KS; 12 grandchildren and one great grandson. Ed was preceded in death by a son, John D'Orvilliers and a sister, Ione Fletcher.
The family will greet friends from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date at the Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Honor Flight c/o Mercer Funeral Home, PO Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.