Willis M. Wittig, Jr.

KALISPELL ~ On November 5, 2024, Willis M. Wittig Jr. made his final journey to be with his beloved wife, Dorothy, and the Lord.

 Willis, lovingly known as “Bill,” “Dad,” and “Poppa,” was born on July 15, 1935, in Bismarck, ND, not far from the Capitol building.

 He had many adventures in his life. He spent much of his youth working on his uncle’s ranch in Wing, ND, and exploring central North Dakota with his friends. He especially loved the Mandan rodeo. As a young man he worked for the Big Boy restaurant chain and even took chicken-frying lessons from KFC’s Colonel Sanders, himself.

 Bill married Dorothy L. Schmidt at the Salvation Army Church on Feb. 16, 1957 in Bismarck, ND. In 1968 they moved to Missoula, MT, where he was first employed at Evans Products Company, starting out on the “green chain” and worked his way up to become an engineer in the boiler room. He was later employed at Champion International as a boiler room engineer until he retired in 1998.

 Dorothy and Bill moved to Huson, MT, in 1977 and were some of the early members of the Frenchtown Community Church. Bill enjoyed getting out in the mountains, hunting and gold-panning, and was always creating woodworking projects for family and friends which included a pulpit and a cross for the church. He loved taking care of his huge yard where he built an entire old-West town in miniature which was featured in the Missoulian.

 Bill lost his beloved wife, Dorothy, in May 2018. Also preceding Bill in death are his infant son, James; his parents, Willis and Evelyn; his grandson Lucas Rainforth; his son-in-law Terry Rainforth; and brothers Larry and Gerald and sister Carol.

 Bill is survived by his three children Renee (Richard) Gist, Joseph (Karen) Wittig and Cindy Rainforth. He is also survived by his sister Lois Bernhardt, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

 Our father was a strong and loving spirit in our lives, one who was always there when needed.

 We love and miss you. Give Mom a hug from us all.