Rev. Roland O. Wittrock

February 04, 1924 - February 11, 2010

Rev. Roland O. Wittrock Obituary (Age 86) Roland passed away peacefully into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father Thursday, February 11th after a full and wonderful life serving the Lord and loving his family. Because of his fascination with grizzly bears, Roland was affectionately known as the "Bear Grandpa" by his three grandsons. He also had a fondness for wilderness areas, and in his younger years took numerous backpacking trips with his two sons. Roland was loved by the many people his life touched over the years. He was born on February 4, 1924 in Walla Walla, Washington and spent his childhood years there. When Roland was 17, the family moved to Endicott, Washington, where he graduated from high school in 1942. He attended Washington State University and later Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he graduated with a degree in Greek Studies in 1945. Following college, Roland attended Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa and received his Masters of Divinity Degree in 1948. During his time at seminary, Roland was a member of the "Wartburg Men's Quartet", which toured the western half of the U.S. sharing their gift of music in many Lutheran churches. After graduation, Roland began a long and fruitful Christian ministry spanning over 50 years! In 1955, he married the love of his life, Else Wende in Nanaimo, B.C. At 6'7" in height, Roland was a commanding presence in the pulpit. He could spin a wonderful story. His stories illustrated the love of Jesus Christ to each and every person. Roland's sermon-length philosophy was simple: "If you can't say it in 20 minutes, brother, you can't say it!" Roland faithfully served ALC and ELCA Lutheran churches in Lind-Connell, Washington, Kellogg, Idaho, Fremont, California, Brookings, Oregon, Ellensburg, Washington, Lebanon, Oregon, and as a Retired Visitation Pastor in Federal Way, Washington. Roland is survived by his wife of 54 years, Else; his two sons Jesse Wittrock (Laurie) of Mead, WA, and Jon Wittrock (Jodi) of Puyallup, WA; and his three grandsons Jimmy, Danny, and Aaron. He is also survived by his two brothers, Henry Wittrock (Peggy) from Santa Rosa, CA, and Arnold Wittrock (Marcia) from Portland, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews. Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Hans and Rosa Wittrock, and sisters Irene and Margaret. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 9706 North Division Street in Spokane at 11:00 A.M. A luncheon reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution in Roland's memory be made to either the Youth or Music Ministries at St. Luke Lutheran Church.