Obituary of Donald Witzig

Donald K. Witzig age 77 of Delran formerly of Haddon Heights, New Jersey "Coach Witz" finished his long distance course with Lewy Body Dementia on May 16, 2016. with his loving wife Kathy at his side. Beloved husband of Kathlene J. "Kathy" (nee Henderson); Devoted father of Terri (Chris) Joyce, Erica Witzig, Jack Witzig (Cheryl Selah), and Julie (Stanley IV) McGraw; Loving grandad to Nathaniel and Adela Joyce and Stanley V, Wesley Keith and Madeline Riley McGraw; Dear brother of Robert (Norma) Witzig. Don is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Don was born in Peoria, IL and spent his youth on family farms in IL and on the Mississippi gulf coast. He was the son of Caroline and Irvin Witzig. He graduated from Morton High School, Morton, IL, the University of Illinois and Rutgers University, Masters program. Don spent his career in education and coaching. He taught in IL before beginning at Cherry Hill High School East in 1967, retiring in June of 1994. While at East, he taught physical and driver's education, was department chairman and athletic director. He coached various sports, but spent most of his 40 years of coaching at East in cross country, track, and bowling. His teams won many local and state championships and he won the everlasting respect of his athletes. Don also coached track at Cherokee High School and youth baseball and softball with Haddon Heights Youth Athletics. He inspired his athletes with the true meaning of sportsmanship, humility, camaraderie and laughter with his corny jokes. Don believed in volunteering. In addition to coaching, he was on the Haddon Heights Board of Education for 15 years where he served many terms as president or vice president. After school board, he was a Haddon Heights councilman for 6 years. He spent many years on the Grace Episcopal Church (Merchantville) Vestry as both Junior and Senior Warden. Don could often be found at church helping with projects or building something. He and Kathy were able to enjoy worldwide travels before his journey into dementia which was shared by his loving family. The family thanks the compassionate care givers and staff at Arden Cts, Samaritan Hospice, and Donald and Owen from Bayada. Relatives and friends are invited to the Visitation on Thursday, May 26th from 7 to 9 PM and Friday, May 27th from 9:30 to 11 AM at Grace Episcopal Church, 7 East Maple Avenue, Merchantville, NJ 08109, where a Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 11 AM. Entombment will take place privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don's name to Grace Episcopal Church at the above address, or to The Tender, 4501 Church Road, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Info, condolences and guestbook at www.carusocare.com