Obituary of Mary Wittak Wildenberg

Mary Louise Wittak Wildenberg, West Branch, IA passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018. She loved her family and was an advocate for children, mental illness and the disabled.  She was 75.

Born to Clarence and Hilda (Schmatz) Wittak in Manitowoc, WI, she and J Patrick Wildenberg were married for 51 years.  She loved time with family, let others know she cared, and always kept her sense of humor.

She was an alumna of Lincoln High School (Manitowoc), the University of Wisconsin Madison, and the University of Iowa College of Nursing.  A Navy nurse and college lecturer, she was most proud of her work helping preschoolers as a Head Start nurse until her car crash in 1992. She loved people who were different from her, their cultures and food.  But she did not love cottage cheese in any cuisine.

As a final gift, Mary donated her body to the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics both as a thank you to the staff who supported and cared for her over the years and also as a way to assist the next generation of healthcare providers.

To honor Mary we ask that you make friends with individuals that challenge the way you think; people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.

     A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2018 from 5-8 PM at the Henderson-Barker Funeral Home in West Branch, IA. 

     A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, November 16, 2018 at St. Bernadette's Catholic Church in West Branch.

Mary is survived by her husband Pat of West Branch, brother John (Mary) Wittak of Maribel, WI, daughters Liz (Vinicio) Hernandez of West Branch and Joanna (Sam) Sabha of Iowa City, son Andy (Carrie La Seur) Wildenberg of Billings, MT, and grandchildren Malcolm, Hilda, Alia, Henry, Cora and Neda.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

           Online remembrances and condolences may be left for the family at www.hendersonbarkerfuneralhome.com