Henry John & Helen Charlene Wittrock

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Henry John & Helen Charlene Wittrock
Tombstone Photo
Holy Trinity Cemetery
Okarche, Canadian County, Oklahoma

© Walking Dead

Obit for Henry posted by Jo Aguirre
Aug 24, 1940 - Oct 12, 2024

Henry John Wittrock, God’s loving and faithful servant, whose favorite color was “green,” was promoted to heaven on Oct. 12, 2024.

He was born Aug. 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. Henry married the love of his life, Helen Charlene Wittrock, from Apache, on Sept. 5, 1965. After their marriage, he and Charlene lived nine 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, and farmed and raised 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.

Henry 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 ribeye 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’s 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. Henry 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.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Teresa; his wife Charlene; his 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 officiated the wake Thursday, Oct. 17, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was Friday, Oct. 18, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Graveside services followed 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. [an error occurred while processing this directive]

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