"Our prime purpose in life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." Dalai Lama
Our husband, father, brother, and friend passed away January 22, 2023 at home in Thornton, Colorado. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on September 8, 1945 to Theodore Ralph Witzke & Helen Overton Witzke (Lee), the youngest of six children.
He is survived by his wife Pennie, who he married November 4, 1967. Gene is survived by his children Jennifer Eaves (Dustin), Jarrod Witzke (Mary), and Justin Witzke (Monica), sisters Pat Gerwig and Joanna Rich (Robert) and sister-in-law Diana Witzke. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews who he dearly loved. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Theodore and June Witzke, his sister Barbara, his brother David Witzke, and his brother-in-law David Gerwig.
Gene graduated from Westminster High School, attended the University of Colorado, graduated from Automation Institute, attended Community College, and took data processing classes with Mountain Bell and attended Regis College.
During his lifetime, Gene wore many different hats. He worked as an installer/repairman and as a computer specialist for Mountain Bell, from which he retired. He then worked for Digital Equipment (Compaq/Hewlett Packard) and retired for a second time. Not being very good at retirement, Gene went to work at Mardi Gras Casino as a security officer.
Gene’s greatest love was being with family and friends. Those who knew him knew that you could ask him to do anything and he would be there, with a smile on his face and his head full of ideas on how to do it better.
His hobbies included working on and racing cars, coaching little league sports, fishing, camping, making jewelry, beer and wine. He really loved "Dads' and Kids' Weekend" where all the mamas stayed home and pampered themselves and the kids got all the "quality time" they could stand with their dads.
He was an active member of the Northglenn/Thornton Jaycees where he held office as President and all lower offices. Gene became District Director for Colorado and became a Jaycee Senator #38113 on March 18, 1985.
In honor of his father, Theodore, Gene requested donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Denver (alz.org/co).
A Celebration of Life service will be held 3pm, Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the Olinger Highland Mortuary Chapel, 10201 Grant Street in Thornton, CO.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the Witzke family.
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We sincerely appreciate you taking the time out of your day to pay your respects to Gene, whether in person or by video. He truly was surrounded by people who loved and respected him. We genuinely love all of you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We would like to thank Olinger Highland Mortuary and Patrick who showed sympathy, kindness, and patience with us.
Thank you to Chaplain Winn, who took time with us so that he could get to know who Gene was and about his life.
Thank you to Nina and Susie, who put together the display that was a wonderful representation of Gene's life.
We had so many compliments on the service, the professionalism, and display. We thank you so much.
The family of Eugene Witzke
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