Dave Witchger
Dave Witchger passed away on Oct. 8. Born March 4, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan.
He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth Wolf Witchger; and his father, Eugene Schantz Witchger, both of Saginaw, Michigan.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Niehaus Witchger; and brothers, Eugene W. of Charleston, South Carolina, Thomas R. (Mitzi) of Indianapolis, William J. (Roberta) of Indianapolis, and James D. (Cindy) of Indianapolis. Dave and his wife, Kathleen are close to their many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Dave was an avid swimmer, co-captain of the 1962 University of Notre Dame swim team. After retirement, David was a swim coach, helping children from all walks of life discover a love for swimming in Hot Springs.
He volunteered for Habitat for Humanity since early retirement in 1994 in Indianapolis, and then two days a week at the Garland County Habitat for Humanity work site ever since moving to Hot Springs Village. He was a board member of this affiliate for six years.
Dave was an active member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village, serving on the Finance Council since 2015. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th degree.
After graduating with a BBA from Notre Dame in 1962, he entered the Navy OCS at Newport, Rhode Island, and then the Navy Supply Corps school in Athens, Georgia. He was assigned to the USS Providence CLG-6, flagship of the Seventh Fleet. After two years afloat, home ported in Yokosuka, Japan, the ship returned stateside.
In 1966, he was assigned to the Navy Shipyard, Hunters Point, San Francisco. He met his beloved wife, Kathleen, on a blind date. Kathleen, a native of Cincinnati, was working as a librarian at the Navy Radiological Defense Laboratory at Hunters Point, San Francisco. After 3 1/2 years Dave resigned his commission and entered Indiana University graduating with an M.B A in 1968.
Kathleen and Dave married in Cincinnati in 1967. Dave was employed by Eli Lilly & Co. as a pharmaceutical sales representative in Hays, Kansas. After assignments in marketing in Indianapolis, New York (sales training and personnel) Kobe, Japan and Taipei, Taiwan, they were transferred to the Washington, D.C., Government Affairs office.
After five years in Washington, D.C., Dave was assigned back to Indianapolis, working in several administrative positions. In 1993, Dave was able to take early retirement after 26 years at Eli Lilly & Co. In 1998, Dave and Kathleen moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. They enjoyed golf, party bridge, the Final Friday Investment Club, travel and the many social and prayerful events at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.
David and Kathleen shared a deep commitment to helping children and generously supported charitable organizations dedicated to improving children's lives, including St. John's Catholic School Hot Springs, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School in Benton, Arkansas, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, and the St. Bonaventure Navajo Mission in New Mexico. Through their generosity and compassion, they demonstrated a lasting dedication to the well-being of children and families in need.
A vigil service will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church on Thursday, Oct. 15, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at the church, located at 295 Balearic Road in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Interment will follow in the church columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to St. John's Catholic School in Hot Springs, Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Endowment or Garland County Habitat for Humanity.
Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.
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