WITTICH, Michael F.

Michael F. Wittich, 58, of Salida died Dec. 20, 2006, at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center. He was born Nov. 14, 1948, in Toledo, Ohio, to Paul and Donna (Miller) Wittich. Mr. Wittich attended Wabash College in Wabash, Ind., graduating Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1970. In 1971, he received his MBA at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1973, Mr. Wittich attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. He was employed by Tenneco in Lake Forest, Ill., as director of Global IT Security. During his career in the Information Technology industry, he worked for La-Z-Boy Furniture in Monroe, Mich., and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North West Ohio. Mr. Wittich also served as a U.S. Navy supply corps officer during the Vietnam War. His interests included photography, researching family history, traveling, running and biking. Being with his children, grandchildren and extended family was his greatest pleasure. Although his life is marked by academic and professional accomplishments, people who knew him best remember him for his great kindness, love of family, sensitivity, care, concern and support of those around him. Survivors are his father, Paul Wittich of Albuquerque, N.M.; wife, Janice Wittich of Salida; son, Geoffery (Michelle) Wittich and their children Megan, Thomas and Dean all of Castle Rock; daughter, Adrienne (Noble) Kieschnick and their children Sydney Priest, Tori and Geoffery all of Lewisville, Texas; sisters, Candy (Roger) Minke of Salida and Karen (Richard) Toledo of Albuquerque; aunts and uncles, Faye Beebe and Tom Beebe, Roy and Dorothy Wittich, Mel and Millie Wittich, Nina and Dick Soldner and Jane Shelhart; and cousins, Corky Miller, Michael and Chris Shelhart. He was preceded in death by his mother. Funeral Services are set for 10 a.m. Dec. 27, 2006, at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. Mountain Mail Salida, Colorado