Gary Lou Wittwer, 88, of Salem, Nebraska was born on October 2, 1936, in Salem, Nebraska to James and Grace (Windle) Wittwer. He was raised with his family in Salem where he began his schooling. After the passing of his father, Gary attended Boys Town High School in Omaha, Nebraska where he graduated with the class of 1954. On June 13, 1956, Gary entered active-duty status in the United States Air Force in Omaha, Nebraska and served his country until his honorable discharge from Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana on June 12, 1960.
Gary was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Kaufman and to this union five children, Tammie, James, Cheri, Thomas, and Gary L. were born. After the passing of Mary, Gary was united in marriage in Omaha, Nebraska to Andrea “Ann” Lucas in 1989. To this union two children, David and Alexis were raised. Gary was a life long on the road trucker. He began his career driving truck for Ed Wickham in Salem. In 1971, Gary started driving truck for Universe Truck Line in Omaha and dedicated his career for 40 years until retiring. After retiring, he stayed busy working outside, mowing his yard and helping care for area cemeteries.
Gary passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Bryan LGH Medical Cener West in Lincoln, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of eighty-eight years, three months, and nine days.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Thomas Wittwer, brothers: Frederick, Jack, Richard, David, and an infant brother Robert, twin sister Mary Eoff, his sister Janice Kirkendall, and an infant sister Janet, and brothers-in-law Jim Frey and Edward Weir.
Gary is survived by his loving wife Ann Wittwer of Salem, children: Tammie Gillespie and husband Charles of Council Bluffs, IA; James “Jim” Witwer and wife Sue of Council Bluffs, IA; Cheri Andersen and husband Scott of Portland, OR; Gary L. Wittwer and wife Tammy of Columbus, NE; David Wittwer of Salem, Alexis Wittwer of Salem, 12 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, sisters: Pat Weir of Bakersfield, CA; Kay Frey of Sabetha, KS; brother-in-law Randy Kirkendall of Falls City, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date at the Four-Mile Congregational Church in rural Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating. Inurnment will follow services at the Maple Cemetery in Salem, Nebraska with full military honors conducted.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.
Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net
Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan Street-Falls City, NE 68355 (402) 245-3131
