Henry John Wittrock, God’s loving and faithful servant, whose favorite color was “green” was promoted to heaven on October 12, 2024.
He was born August 24, 1940, to Teresa Coletta (Smith) Wittrock and John Alphons Wittrock. He was both born and raised and lived in the same home for 80 years. He married the love of his life, Helen Charlene Wittrock, from Apache, OK, on September 5, 1965. After their marriage he and Charlene lived 9 miles east of Okarche until 1969, when they moved back to and settled on the “Home” place. Henry worked throughout his life to make the farm the “prettiest farm in Okarche”.
He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School, graduating with the class of 1958, farming and raising cattle with his brother, Raymond. He had great pride and love of his work. He was passionate about maximizing techniques to increase bushels per acre of wheat and margins on cattle. He was part of the Air National Guard in the early 1960’s until he was dismissed due to a medical condition.
Henry was a beloved lifelong member of the Okarche community. He was community minded, supporting any and all fundraisers and anonymously helping needy families. He also loved smoking beef, cooking rib eye steaks for many functions including proms and family picnics.
Henry was a lifelong member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the Lions Club.
He loved the OU Sooners, instilling his passion into all of his children. He also loved visiting with people, especially at morning coffee with fellow farmers and ranchers, and he loved “bad” jokes, frequently telling the previous night Johnny Carson jokes. He was very skilled in welding. He welded all iron fences/corrals on the farm and welded supports used in building the large shed on the property. He transitioned to a welding hobby later in life, making many crosses, wagons, and other unique pieces for family and friends.
Henry loved collecting antiques with Charlene, particularly old wagon wheels and Victorian silver butter dishes. He also enjoyed collecting cowboy and Native American art and memorabilia. They loved the thrill of hunting for antiques.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Teresa, his wife Charlene and son Jason, his grandson Jack Riekena, his sisters Ruth Knecht, Edna Elmenhorst, and Joan Wittrock, and his brother Harold Wittrock.
Henry is survived by his daughter Jacqueline (Davin Roberts) Riekena and her children Jason (Jacquelyn) Riekena, and children Carter and Charlie, Julia Riekena, and Jake Riekena; his daughter Jayne (Jeff) Suess and their children Jason, Justin and Jonathan; and his son, John Wittrock and his daughter Viviana.
Henry is also survived by his brothers Raymond (Vickie) Wittrock, Mark (Mary) Wittrock, and his sisters Irene (Tom) Garrett, Clare (Pat) Borelli, Anita (Craig) Webb, many nieces, nephews and distant cousins, “cousin” George, and friends.
Father Zac Boazman and Deacon Max Schwarz will officiate the wake at 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 17, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church followed by a Celebration of Life and Dinner for all friends and Family at the “Home Place” East of Okarche.
They will officiate the mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 18, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche, Oklahoma.
Graveside services will follow in Holy Trinity Cemetery directed by Huber-Benson Funeral home.
Donations in Henry’s name may be made to the Center of Family Love, 635 W. Texas Avenue, Okarche, OK 73762
