Calvin J. Wittenbach

Calvin James Wittenbach, 92, a lifelong resident of the Grattan/Greenville area was welcomed into Heaven on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Calvin was born on August 22, 1925 to Alfred and Alma Wittenbach.  He attended Lessiter Elementary School and graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1943.  When he was 18 years old Calvin enlisted in the aviation cadet program with the US Army Air Force.  He spent many years employed in furniture production (metal and woodworking plants).  He worked as a purchasing agent for Clark Automation ofBelding and Federal Mogul Corporation of Greenville, and as purchasing director and vice president of LuVan (who took over Belding Tool & Machine Corporation). On September 23, 1950 Calvin married Marilyn Bailes, his wife of 67 years. In 1950 they moved into the farmhouse where they raised their three children.  This is the same home they share today.  During farming times, the backyard was filled with apple trees and just down the road was the family farm. In 1965 Calvin began farming with his brother Kenneth.  The brothers operated a dairy and fruit farming business.  The brothers also owned, and Calvin and Marilyn ran, Wittenbach Resort & Boat Rentals - a 30 site seasonal trailer park, boat rental, and store on Wabasis Lake. In earlier years, Calvin served on both the Grattan School Board and the Belding Area School Board.  He also served as past president of the Ionia-Montcalm Pomsters, an association of 25 fruit growers. Calvin and Marilyn spent many years camping, and in later years wintering with friends at Maranatha Village in Sebring, Florida. In his younger years Calvin enjoyed fishing and golfing. Early in their marriage Calvin and Marilyn attended Ashley Baptist Church.  They have been members of Oakfield Baptist Church since 1991. Calvin is loved and survived by his wife Marilyn along with their children:Stephen (Kristi) Wittenbach,  Jennifer (Bryan) Lemson, Juleen (Ryan) Haartman, Jessica Wittenbach, Bruce ( Pam) Wittenbach ,Shelby(Jeff)McGeorge, Samantha Andrews,Auston Wittenbach Linda Wittenbach Donovan,Leslie Cummings and Logan Donovan. Calvin and Marilyn also have 10 great grandchildren and are expecting their 11th great grandchild any day.Calvin is also survived by his younger sister Sue Croskery of Houston, Texas along with several nieces, nephews, and very special cousins.Calvin leaves behind his devoted canine companion Charlie.Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred & Alma Wittenbach, his brother and sister-in law Kenneth & Doris Wittenbach, brother-in law Mike Croskery, and sister and brother-in-law Charlene and Lee Petersen.The family wishes to give special thanks to his caregiver Tanya Bowser. Visitation will be Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Johnson-Feuerstein Funeral Home, Belding and one hour before the service at church. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Monday July 16, 2018 at Oakfield Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Minor officiating. Committal prayers and full military honors will follow at Ashley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Oakfield Baptist Church or the B Foundation.  Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church.

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