Mark Gerard Wittgraf

Mark was born April 8, 1957 in Minneapolis, Minnesota too parents Clifford and Helen Wittgraf. He was little brother to Kay. Just the two of them!

Mark was truly one of a kind. Larger than Life. Mark had insight. He knew we would be together from our first date even though I hadn't realized it yet :) Mark always kept me laughing. There was a silly dance he would do, the grandkids renamed "the Grandpa Dance". He would try to sing along with the radio but changed the words because.. he didn't know the words. Mark always make me feel loved. He called me numerous times during his workday just to say " I love you". Every Saturday was date night. Mark told me he was, "The Greatest Engineer in All the Land". He truly was...

To say that he has left his mark on this world is an understatement. Mark served his country in the Navy serving from 1971-1975 aboard the USS Long Beach. His beautiful mind allowed him to soar as a civil engineer, constructing some of the freeways here in Bakersfield, California. And engineered the construction of Mandalay Bay, in NV. And the MGM Grand (Lion). Not many children can drive down a street and say, "Hey, my Pops did that!"

He was an awesome Dad, always happy and a good role model and teacher. He loved to teach us new things. A go getter who didn't like to stay in one place. He had loads of energy. But still made time to sneak off to the movies with Ian on the weekends. He was a very proud man. Of his work, and his family...Mark was a hard working individual. He loved to play with his grandchildren. Whom affectionately called him Grandpa. Go on hikes with friends and family. And live life to the fullest. He always had a way of making us all feel special.

When asking his grandkids, what do you remember about Grandpa they dropped their little heads and said; Lily: He was Awesome! Hunter: He was the best Grandpa EVER! Van Jr.: He was amazing!

He will be, and is deeply missed. He leaves behind his Loving wife Socorro. Children and spouses Ian Wittgraf, Van (Rochelle) Hulcy, Ashley (Pablo) Reyes, Matthew Hulcy and Michael Hulcy. Sister Kay Strand (Jeff Busch). Nieces Annie (Jon) and Sydne. Grandchildren Lily and Van Hulcy, Hunter Wittgraf, Noah and Maverick Hulcy.

Awaiting him in Heaven his Father and Mother Clifford and Helen Wittgraf, and Mother in law Agustina Rocha.

Christ was ready to welcome him home, we were not. He, (Christ) must have needed help reconstructing some new pearly white pathways in Heaven. Until we see you again. We will always be one day closer to seeing you at the gates of his Heavenly throne.

A visitation for Mark will be held Monday, August 31, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Chapel, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA 93306. A graveside service will occur Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Sunny Slope Garden.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestmemorial.com for the Wittgraf family.