William J. “Bill” Wittenauer, 69, of Lancaster, NH, passed away unexpectedly while hiking on Friday, June 14, 2019. Bill was born in Louisville, KY on April 23, 1950 the son of Frank and Zelda (Thibodeau) Wittenauer and spent his early years growing up in the Somersworth, NH area. At 18, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy and spent 8 years in the Submarine Service, where he served aboard the USS Sculpin (SSN-590) during the Vietnam era. After leaving military service Bill worked for McDonnell-Douglas Corporation, later acquired by Boeing, and retired after 36 years as an International Program Manager. His job took him all around the world, traveling to over 40 countries during his duties.
Bill truly had an enthusiasm for life and lived it to its fullest. He enjoyed bicycling, scuba diving, roller blading, hiking, motorcycling, nature photography, and nature itself. At one time, Bill was a small aircraft pilot and a marathon runner. He ran 14 marathons in his 50’s, including qualifying and running the Boston Marathon. More than anything, Bill loved spending time with his family and his many friends. Bill and his wife recently returned to New Hampshire and enthusiastically embraced their new community of Lancaster. They quickly developed a broad network of new friends and enjoyed an active North Country lifestyle.
Members of the family include his wife of 35 years Janet (Ringer) Wittenauer of Lancaster; sons William J. Evjen & wife Tuija, and George M. Evjen, both of St. Charles, MO; grandchildren Sofia, Henri, Kalle, Camden, and Tyler; siblings Donald Wittenauer of Suffolk, VA, Walter Wittenauer of Beech Island, SC, Francine Kendall and Grace Gill, both of Louisville, KY; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Frank Wittenauer.
In accordance with Bill’s wishes there will be no public services other than private Celebrations of Life in St. Louis, Louisville, and Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation in Bill’s memory to St. Paul’s BackPack Program for kids (stpaulslancaster.org). Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bryant Funeral Homes, Berlin and Gorham, NH. To share memories or messages of condolence, please visit www.bryantfuneralhome.net