January 12, 1963 - November 6, 2024
John Richard Wittenborg
Age 61, born January 12, 1963, died unexpectedly from natural causes in Bloomington on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Wittenborg was born in Rochester and raised in Lake City, where he first developed and continued to pursue his love of sailing.
He met his wife, Marjorie (née, Pearson) Wittenborg, while both were college students at the University of Minnesota and working for Fairview Health Services. He worked in various roles at Fairview for over 38 years, beginning as a patient messenger and eventually advancing to Senior Director of Staffing and Clinical Resources. He most recently served as a workforce development consultant and also devoted much of his career to mental wellness.
In addition to work, he enjoyed a wide range of activities with his family. They included coaching his children's sports teams, working on projects at the family cabin, listening to live music, and traveling across the country and throughout the world. He had recently completed a two week tour of Italy.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Joanne Wittenborg; and father-in-law, James Pearson.
John was survived by his wife of 38 years, Marjorie Wittenborg; children, Jack (Shelby) Wittenborg and Elizabeth Wittenborg; grandchildren, Millie and Brooks Wittenborg; mother-in-law, Millie Pearson “GG Mil”; siblings, Jan (Steve) Kirchner and Andrew (Anne) Wittenborg; nieces and nephews, Eric (Kate) Kirchner, Scott (Morgan) Kirchner, Laura (Jon) Gilmore and Will Wittenborg; 6 great-nieces; 1 great-nephew; and other loving relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Richfield United Methodist Church.
Memorial Service
Monday, November 18, 2024
2:00PM
Visitation 1 hour prior
Richfield United Methodist Church
5835 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55419
Refreshments to follow service.
Marj and the entire family,
I am heart broken by John’s passing. You are all in my prayers. Good is good.
i am so very sorry the hear of John’s death. i enjoyed my conversations about travels to Europe. John’s smile and love of people brought joy to any room he entered
Sorry for your loss .May God bless your family throughout this hard time .
Jan and steve
I am so sorry for your loss.
May he rest in peace.
prayers are with you.
My sympathy
Kathy cooper
What a great man, my wingman, always!
Love to you all.
Scott, so sorry to hear about your good friend John..cherish the memories of your wingman… John Coyle…
My thoughts and prayers for the family as they grieve. Far too young.
Bonnie Boots
I met John in 2013 when I managed the contingent workforce program at Fairview. He was one of the first leaders I met and we instantly became fast friends and colleagues. He was an advocate, supporter and mentor to me and I always enjoyed every interaction I had with him. I enjoyed getting to know him and quickly realized how much he loved his family and how proud he was of all of you. I’m sad to hear of his sudden passing and am thankful I had the opportunity to meet such an amazing human. My sincere condolences to you. May his memory be eternal.
Your strength will guide you through and my prayers are with you and your family.
Kal Soundara
John and I are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We value the opportunities we had to interact with him and the entire Wittenborg family when we lived in Richfield. My deepest sympathies to Marge, Jack and Elizabeth.
Marj and family, I got to know John when I worked as an Admin Nursing Supervisor at the FUMC for a number of years. While we lost contact after I left, my memories of John and his leadership in Behavioral Staffing have remained. Please accept my most sincere condolences for your loss. I pray that you hold deep, abiding memories and find peace and hope through your life of love and gratitude together. My most sincere best wishes … Bryon Dockter.
Jack and Shelby,
We are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of your father. We hope that the coming days become easier, and that your fondest memories of him fill your hearts and minds with peace.
Keeping you in our thoughts. Love and hugs,
Glen and Alli Steeves
So very sad to hear about John’s passing. John was so great to work with. I always enjoyed his insight and willingness to work on solving issues at the hospital. Blessings to your family as you grieve his loss. He had a great smile and laugh. I know that he will be greatly missed.
Our entire HOSA/MN HOSA family grieves along with you. John was an incredible man who consistently put others first. He will be fondly remembered and deeply missed
Devastating. I am flailing for words.
Marj, Jack and Elizabeth. We are so, so sorry for your unbelievable loss. John will be missed greatly, we know. He was a wonderful man and neighbor. We are here for you. May God bring you peace.
John was such a wonderful and thoughtful man. We couldn’t have asked for better neighbors. We enjoyed many fun backyard and indoor get -togethers
He will be missed by all of us.
Witt and I had just reconnected last fall and he was loving life and so proud of his wife and family. Way too early, my friend. May John’s legacy continue to shine brightly on his family. You were always a gentle and caring friend.
We were shocked to hear of John’s passing. John was a wonderful person , father, husband & neighbor. John, Marge, Jack & Elizabeth know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. Will add his name to church prayer book.
Bob & Mary Ann Dietl
Kent and I were so sad and shocked to learn of John’s sudden passing. We have enjoyed getting to know your family through the last few years. John’s name has been recorded at our church, many additional people will be praying for your family. Take care Marj, Elizabeth and Jack.
My condolences to John’s family. John’s kindness, good humor and professionalism always made it a pleasure to work with him at Fairview.
Such a lot of memories of John growing up on Center St. in Lake City and all the times he spent playing with my children. We always enjoyed the Wittenborg children. Hugs and prayers to all.
Dear Marj and Family,
We are so shocked and saddened to hear of John’s passing. John and Hamed were roommates in college. John connected with us, we just saw him recently, and we made plans to meet up again in Tucson. Please accept our heartfelt condolences and prayers for your family. John will be greatly missed. We are so very sorry.
A granddaughter with pink eye might keep me from the visitation and service, but my heart will be there. I loved John, as boss and as friend. I’ll feel the loss especially every summer when he would join me for a Twins game. My deepest sympathies, Marj.
John was such a nice guy, and a loyal client for 40 years. It was wonderful to hear about his family and his travel adventures. He will be truly missed.
Marj, We are so sorry to hear of your husband John’s passing. May the Lord draw you and your family close and supply his unending peace and strength during this most difficult time. God Bless.