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Merwin Wittum

April 8, 2019
Kalamazoo, MI

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Family and many, many friends are saddened by the loss of Merwin Wittum, who passed away on Monday, April 8, from complications of a stroke. Merwin was born in 1948 to Calmer and Martha Wittum in Jackson, MI, and grew up with two sisters in nearby Rives Junction. Merwin received his Engineering degree and MBA from Western Michigan University. In 1979 he joined The Upjohn Company, where he worked in Engineering and Purchasing for 25 years, retiring in 2004. A most significant moment while at Upjohn was meeting his true love, Kristy, when playing in the Upjohn Coed Tennis League. Ever the romantic, "Mer" celebrated the one-year anniversary of their first meeting with another tennis match. When the match was over, he met Kristy at the net and proposed. They were married in 1983 and spent the next 36 years together, celebrating every anniversary at Crane Park where they were married. Mer's many passions included music, golf, science, and driving his sporty Miata convertible every summer. He was an avid reader who loved learning new things and he always welcomed a lively political discussion. He and Kristy enjoyed a wonderful circle of friends with whom they shared many activities, including skiing, tennis, golf, and, more recently, pickleball. One of the many highlights Kristy and Mer shared together was the building of their dream house. It became the site for many family gatherings during the holidays, hosting friends' birthdays, and other happy events. Several years after retiring, Merwin found a way to share his knowledge, life wisdom, and positive outlook with youth by substitute teaching at area schools. He truly enjoyed interacting with his students, who affectionately knew him as "Mr. W." The loss of Mer and his engaging spirit will be deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved him. Gratefully, his ability to make us laugh, show us how to love, and live life with passion will be with us always. Merwin was preceded in death by his parents, Calmer and Martha Wittum, and sister Barb Bywater. He is survived by his wife, Kristy Wittum; step-sons, E. J. Horton (April), and Jason Horton (Kim); grandchildren, Damon, Kathleen, Schyler, and Myckenzie; great grandson, Jameson; sister, Martha Wittum; sisters-in-law, Nicki Wetherall and Karen Smith; brother-in-law, Kurt Pugh; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. Typical of Merwin's generosity, he was an organ donor. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life for Merwin, with family and friends, will take place this summer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Society for Science & the Public, https://www.societyforscience.org/donate-5, or the charity of your choice.