Wilbert Wayne Wittmuss

Wilbert was born in Chalco, NE May 23, 1926 to Albert & Ella Wittmuss. He was the youngest of 3 children and grew up with siblings Howard Wittmuss and LuRee Wittmuss (Nelson) on a farm a few miles west of Papillion. He attended Stender grade school where (according to Wilbert) he had to walk everyday uphill, both ways. He later attended Papillion High School where he participated in baseball and basketball and met a cheerleader named Delores Bellinger. Upon graduation at age 17 he started a 41 year career with the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1944 his railroad career was interrupted by WWII and a 2 year stint in the Army. Upon returning from the Army he married his high school sweetheart Delores and they soon bought a house in Papillion. A couple of years later along came son Richard (1950) followed by daughters Lou Ann (1953) and Laurie (1956). He was a prominent member of the Papillion Chapter of the Masonic Temple and also served on the Papillion School Board. They enjoyed many family vacations, friends and family their early years in Papillion. But, in 1967 a Union Pacific promotion took them to Salt Lake City, Utah. They enjoyed their time in Salt Lake, but another promotion in the late 1970's (FINALLY!) landed them back in Papillion. They built a new house in Papillion and enjoyed their 1st Christmas in their new home with his 1st granddaughter Erin (1975) and 1st grandson Ryan (1979). It was not long after when Wilbert retired from Union Pacific and began to enjoy retirement. Shortly after, he was blessed with his 2nd granddaughter Whitney (1989). Retirement kept him just as busy as the Union Pacific. Season tickets to Nebraska football every fall since 1965, College World Series every summer, lots of travel but more importantly time with family and friends and especially those Grandkids. Although following the Grandkids activities was almost a full time job, he found time to start a 2nd career, a 20 year part-time job at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary. He spent many, many hours watching and volunteering at Papillion High School sports (especially football), along with volunteer time at Fairview Cemetery and St. Paul's Methodist Church. During this time, along came his 1st Great-grandson Elijah (2003) followed by 1st Great-granddaughter Elissa (2007). Wilbert really loved and enjoyed many activities, spectator sports, music, dancing and playing cards (sheepshead), but nothing compared to his love for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and especially his wife, Delores of 71 years. Congratulations Wilbert for a life well lived!