John R. Wittekindt

John R. Wittekindt, age 77, Northville, formerly a longtime resident of Ann Arbor, passed away December 5, 2019.  He was born February 9, 1942 in Melrose Park, Illinois; son of Roy H. and Jeannette E. (nee Watkins) Wittekindt.  He was united in marriage to Edith “Edie” (nee Foxworthy) Paradowski on December 13, 2018.

John graduated from Downers Grove High School in Downers Grove, Illinois; class of 1960.  He continued his education at University of Chicago where he graduated in 3 years with a pre-medical degree. He then attended University of Michigan Medical School and earned his MD. John proudly served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant Commander in Vietnam from July 1968 until August 1971. He served as surgeon attached to a Marine unit and spent a year assigned to a nuclear submarine. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign with device, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Service Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation, and Vietnamese Divisional Cross of Gallantry. While he was serving in the Navy, he became interested in the mental health field and worked as a child psychiatrist for many years. He had a private practice, consulted with school districts in Michigan and Ohio, and most recently worked for Ottowa County Community Mental Health. John was a member of the American Medical Association and the American Child Psychiatry Association.

John was a train enthusiast; he loved trains of all sizes and had a collection of model trains. John traveled extensively throughout the world and United States, including a majority of Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, multiple trips to Disney, camping, and visiting National Parks.  John was an expert carpenter, electrician, and plumber.  He was a true craftsman.  He built a second home for his family on Lake Michigan and extensively remodeled his home in Ann Arbor, tripling its size.  John was incredibly talented when working with his hands and was always working on home projects, including gardening.  John was very knowledgeable and a history buff with a focus on world history and the Civil War.  He was an avid Michigan Football fan and never missed a game.  John loved animals, his favorite pets of all time were his Newfoundland, Truffle and his Calico cat, Kitten.  His current furry companion was his rescue cat Harvey who spent time comforting him.  John’s greatest joy in life was his family; he adored spoiling his grandchildren.  He was always supportive and attended many of their functions.  He was loved by those who knew him and will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his beloved wife Edie and his son, Owen Wittekindt and his wife Rebecca and his daughter, Kate Wade and her husband Kyle and his grandchildren Owen, and Karen. He is also survived by his stepchildren Jason and his wife Gwen, and Daniel and wife Lisa, and step grandchildren Xander, Rory, Wesley and Jacob.  He is also survived by his brothers Neil and wife Pamela, and Alan, along with his nephews, David and Lowell, and niece, Emily.