Obituary of Paul Bernhard Wittwer

Paul joined his heavenly family on March 30th, 2023 shortly after celebrating his 94th birthday surrounded by family. Paul was born on March 28th, 1929 in Scharnactal, Switzerland to Jacob and Madeleine Wittwer. Paul immigrated with his family to America through Ellis Island in 1930. After living in Morristown, New Jersey and Springfield, Oregon they found their forever home in Santa Cruz in 1945. In 1948, Paul was encouraged to join choir after learning of a beautiful blonde that sang in the group. Shortly after meeting and graduating from Santa Cruz High School together, Paul married Joanne Van Oterendorp in 1951. They went on to have 3 children Linda, David and Michael. Paul and Joanne celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in October and are a model of commitment and love that their family will always cherish. Paul’s work ethic was one of a kind. He worked two jobs as a journeyman Printer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel and a journeyman Plumber. He truly was a ‘jack of all trades’ and could fix anything. With the help of his father he built his home that he lived in with his wife for nearly 70 years. Paul was happiest working in his yard on his tractor, riding motorcycles, and spending time with family in South Lake Tahoe. Paul is survived by his wife Joanne, children David (Linda) Wittwer and Michael (Darla) Wittwer, 6 grandchildren Amy (Eric) Hotaling, Justine Wittwer (Andre Hernandez), Allison (orion) O’Neill, Jamie Wittwer (Mask Garcia), Matthew Wittwer and Joleen Wittwer, 6 great grandchildren plus one on the way, many extended family members and dear friends. Paul was preceded by his parents Jacob and Madeleine Wittwer, his daughter Linda Stenberg, and siblings Theodore, Marguerite and John. At Paul’s request there will be no service. We will always remember Paul for his sense of humor.