Dr. John William Witzig

January 25th, 1927 --- December 4, 2001


Mass of Christian Burial

December 11th, 2001

St. Olaf Catholic Church

Minneapolis, MN

John William Witzig DDS, age 74, of Golden Valley, MN died December 4, 2001 while traveling in New Zealand.  Proceeded in death by his mother Clara and his father Edgar.  Survived by Roma, his loving wife of 44 years, daughters Lynn and Jeanne, grandchildren Colleen, Brian, Kyle, Timothy, Claire and Jonathan, brothers Ed and Bill, nieces & nephews, and many friends.

John, known by friends as Jack, grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  He served in the Navy in WW II, attended St. Thomas University and was a successful professional wrestler.  He received his DDS degree from Marquette University.

He began practicing dentistry in 1962.  Jack has dedicated 25 years to teaching functional orthodontics.  In recognition of his achievements, the dental profession has honored him with numerous awards and recognitions.  Dentistry Today named him the Leader in Orthodontic Continuing education in the United States and Canada the past five years in succession,  The American Association of Functional Orthodontics named him Clinician of the Year in 1984 & 2001 and Father of Modern Day Functional Orthodontic Treatment in 2001.

He was a devout Catholic and his faith guided his life.  In addition to his family and profession, he had a strong interest in fitness, gardening, the Minnesota Vikings and nurturing children.  He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. His spirit and dedication live on.

Obituary written for the newspaper

All courses will continue to be presented by alternate lecturers per his plan.

A memorial fund is being finalized in the near future.