Harold ‘Harry’ Wittrock

Harold Joseph Wittrock, known as “Harry” to many, was a caring husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend.

Harold finished his service on earth on Feb. 22, 2024, at the age of 89. He was born in Okarche on Feb. 13, 1935, and was committed to his community and church his entire life. He was a farmer, rancher and businessman, a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and served on its parish council.

He also served as board member and president of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Center of Family Love and Knights of Columbus Foundation.

Harold achieved Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus and was a Faithful Navigator and District Deputy.

He was active in the Okarche Lions Club and served in the Oklahoma National Guard Reserve.

His free time was filled with golf, volunteer work, reading and being a lifelong learner.

Harold appreciated the community support of the Center of Family Love, particularly the Knights of Columbus for its partnership since its beginning, and his fellow founders Joe Pierce, Ernie Chastain and Ted Fortmann.

Harold is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn Susanna Naberhaus Wittrock; his children, Kevin Joseph Wittrock and spouse Monica Wittrock, Diane Susan Wittrock Hardin and spouse Silas Hamilton Hardin III, Denise Marie Wittrock Black; his grandchildren, Kendra Merveldt, Dustin Merveldt and his spouse Dr. Kaelin Merveldt, Dr. Robert Wittrock and his spouse Jamie Wittrock, Sarah Wittrock Moore and her husband Mitchell Moore, Carolyn Hardin, Lawson Hardin; and great-grandchildren, Olivia Merveldt, Kevin Wittrock, Emma Merveldt, Arthur Moore, Anne Wittrock and Cecilia Moore; and siblings Henry Wittrock, Raymond Wittrock, Mark Wittrock, Irene Garrett, Claire Borelli and Anita Webb.

He was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Kristy Lyn Wittrock; siblings Ruth Knecht, Edna Elmenhorst, Joan Wittrock; and his parents, John Alphons Wittrock and Teresa Coletta Smith Wittrock.

Mass was Monday, Feb. 26, at Holy Trinity Church in Okarche.

Harold was laid to rest at Holy Trinity Cemetery.

Arrangements were made through Huber-Benson Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Center of Family Love or Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Besides his family, his greatest joys were following his passions to accomplish great things. He had a knack for turning tragedies into triumphs. His family celebrates his greatest traits of humility, humanity, humor, hospitality and honor.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to family and friends for the love and support these past weeks.

We are all better human beings for having known Harold Joseph Wittrock, our rock!