Alfred "Fred" Paul Wittwer

March 22, 1925 - January 02, 2021

Alfred “Fred” Paul Wittwer of St. Clair Shores, Michigan departed this life on Saturday, January 2nd, 2021.

He was born in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on March 22, 1925 and came to the United States with his mother, Henrietta and father, Alfred in 1930. They settled in Detroit, Michigan where Fred graduated from Eastern High School and Wayne State University, ‘51.

After graduation from Eastern High School, Fred enlisted in the Army on June 21st, 1943 and served as a Flight Maintenance Gunner in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and Borneo. He was honorably discharged with honors on January 24th, 1946.

While attending Wayne State University, Fred and Margaret Elizabeth Hock married on August 20,1949. After graduation, Fred started his career with Shell Oil and Northern Engineering before partnering in the founding of Medallion Crane Builders. He later formed his own business, the A.P. Wittwer Company in 1969; specializing in overhead cranes and brake units for Industrial distribution. He remained active in the Company as President and CEO until retiring in 1999. He remained active as Chairman of the Board until his passing.

Retirement allowed Fred to follow many interests. He and Margaret traveled the world with the Nomad travel group of Grosse Pointe, and spent many winter months in Scottsdale, Arizona entertaining friends, family and most importantly, their 8 grandchildren. He loved to play golf, was an avid photographer and attended many youth baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis events- all to cheer on his family. Margaret and Fred were regulars in the stands! Margaret also convinced Fred to learn bridge, which gave them time to spend with their Bridge group of over 70 years, all of whom they met as young members of Peace Lutheran Church on Detroit’s east side.

After living in Grosse Pointe for 50 years, their final move was in 2019 to Lakeshore Senior Living of St. Clair Shores, Michigan.Fred was active at both Peace Lutheran Church in Detroit and Christ the King Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe Woods. He was a former member of the Grosse Pointe Senior Men’s Club and the Detroit Yacht Club.

Fred is pre-deceased by his loving wife of 70 years (1949-2019), Margaret Elizabeth Wittwer (nee Hock).He is survived by his four children, Ellen Rohde (Al Daniel) of Columbia, SC; Tom (Val) Wittwer of Olalla, WA; Nancy Fitzpatrick of Stamford, CT; David (Sally) Wittwer of Grosse Pointe Park,MI; and 8 grandchildren- Andrew Wittwer, Emmaline Wittwer, Kevin (Kerri) Fitzpatrick, Lauren Amaral, Emily Fitzpatrick, Dr. Julie Wittwer, David Wittwer Jr., and Jack Wittwer.

His children would like to thank all of the medical and nursing staff in the Covid and Hospice units at Ascension St. John Hospital; and all of the staff of Lakeshore Senior Living who made our parents feel welcomed and at home.

A Memorial Service will be held sometime in the post-Covid months of 2021. Details to follow.