Ron Wittmer

Ron Wittmer, 66, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, Jan. 29, 2006, in Cape Girardeau.

He had been diagnosed with small cell bladder cancer in April 2005. Although it ravaged his body, it was no match for his indomitable spirit. He remained generous, energized and life-loving in the face of insurmountable odds. Those who knew him would attest to his magnetism.

Throughout his illness he continued to touch lives. He was a rock and his faith in God and the goodness of people never stopped growing. He loved his work and those with whom he worked. He enjoyed traveling, was an avid fisherman, and a great cook.

He was born Nov. 13, 1939, in St. Louis, son of the late Rev. Dr. George W. and Martha M. Schulz Wittmer.

He was chief executive, president, and managing partner of Doctors Park Surgery Inc.

He and Ces Toleson Wittmer were married June 8, 1968, in San Francisco, Calif. She survives.

Mr. Wittmer was a graduate of University of Missouri with a business degree. He was formerly on the board of directors of Big Brothers of America, member of Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association, former president of United Way of Columbia, Mo., former chairman of congregation at St. Andrew Lutheran Church and various committees, board of directors of Cape Chapter of American Red Cross, formerly worked at Boone County Medical Center in Columbia, and Lutheran Medical Center in St. Louis, and was president of Cape Girardeau Doctors Park Inc. He was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Ces Wittmer; a son, Matt Wittmer of Gainesville, Fla.; three nephews, David, Brad and Gregg Warmbier; and three great-nieces, Julia, Sophia and Isabella Warmbier.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church Building Fund, 804 N. Cape Rock Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.