Richard J Witkowski

Richard J. Witkowski “Mr. Wit”, 80 years old, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Center for Hospice in Mishawaka.

Richard was born on March 17, 1945 in Mishawaka, IN to the late Joseph and Irene (Egierski) Witkowski. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Gene Witkowski; brother-in-law, Ronald Manuel.

Left to cherish the memory of Richard is his loving wife of 56 years, Donna (Ammerman) Witkowski; sons, Brian (Leslie) Witkowski and Mark (Mariann) Witkowski; grandsons, Tyler, Ryan, Dylan – who affectionately referred to him as Gpa; granddaughters, Alana and Kayla-who affectionately referred to him as Papa; sister, Eleanor Manuel; sister-in-law, Sandra Witkowski; many nieces and nephews; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Mr. Witkowski was a lifelong area resident.  He was a 1963 graduate of Mishawaka High School where he was a 10 letterwinner while participating in football, basketball and baseball.  After receiving an Athletic Scholarship, he attended DePaul University in Chicago, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a R.O.T.C. commission into the Army. He was stationed for two years at Ft. Bliss Texas, before serving a tour of duty with the 4th. Transportation Command, stationed in Long Binh, Vietnam. He was promoted to the rank of Captain, and received an Honorable Discharge in 1971.

Richard then went Ball State University, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Education. In 1972, Richard began working for the New Prairie United School Corporation as a teacher and a coach, known to his students as “Mr. Wit”.  After retiring from the school corporation, he worked for Blackthorn Golf Course and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.  In 1986, Richard was inducted into the Mishawaka High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Ernestine M. Raclin House for their exemplary care of Richard.

Visitation for Richard will be held from 4:00pm – 8:00pm Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St Joseph Funeral Home, 824 S. Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN.  A Catholic Funeral Service will be held 11:00am Wednesday, April 23, 2025 with an hour of visitation prior to the service, all at the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately at New Carlisle Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Richard J. Witkowski may be made to donors choice or New Prairie Athletic Fund, 5333 N Cougar Rd, New Carlisle, IN 46552.

Online condolences can be made at sjfh.net.

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