Witwer, Henry

Henry Witwer, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on May 12, 2011, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids after a sudden illness. The family will greet friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Marion. Services and committal will be private.

Henry was born in Cedar Rapids, the son of the late George and Lillian (Getts) Witwer. He was preceded in death by his brother, Peter. He attended Franklin High School and entered the U.S. Army, where he served during World War II and the Korean conflict. 

After his discharge from the Army, he entered into real estate with his father and later expanded into the insurance business as an independent insurance agent for over 40 years. Henry served as director and chairman of several insurance boards.

 His other services included being on the Cedar Rapids Christian school board, treasurer for Christian Crusade, for over 50 years he served for Gideons International on the state and local levels, as well as a deacon and Sunday school teacher and various other ministries in the church.

Henry enjoyed traveling, cruises, visiting family, and golf.

On June 14, 1951, Henry married Elinor Possehl in Cedar Rapids, who survives. Also surviving are his three children: David (Genese) Witwer of Fallbrook, Calif., and their children, Charisse (Christopher) Isa, Chandria and Chelsea Witwer; Greg (Nancy) Witwer of Duluth, Ga., and their children, Colby, Abbey and Katie; Joan (Gary) Riley of El Cajon, Calif., and their children, Brittney and McKenzie; four great-grandchildren, Camden, Chancelar, Chaylee and Cheldon Isa of Las Vegas, Nev.; and his special friend and caregiver, Christa Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gideons International or New Covenant Bible Church.

Please sign the online guest book for Henry at  under obituaries.