Lt Col Donald Maurice Wittevrongel, USAF Ret.

Lt Col Donald Maurice “Witt” Wittevrongel (USAF Ret.) made his final takeoff from this earth on August 15, 2026 at the age of 96. He was born on May 5, 1930 in Kewanee. Illinois to parents Paul and Clara Wittevrongel. Witt graduated from Rock Island Illinois High School and attended Augustana College. His college education was interrupted by the Korean war when he was accepted into the United States Air Force pilot training and after receiving his wings, Witt spent the next 27 years serving our country. Witt flew KC-97 tanker aircraft on midair refueling missions throughout the world and later attended the Air Force Institute of Technology where he received his Bachelors in Aeronautical Engineering and a Masters degree in Systems Management. After spending 10 years as test manager for air and ground missile programs, Witt flew C-130 aircraft carrying troops and cargo out of Taiwan and Vietnam. Witt was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Witt spent the next 20 years as a commercial fisherman and deck hand for a charter fishing boat out of Destin, Florida. In 1970 he met and married Marti, the love of his life whom he adored. Survivors include his loving wife, Martha “Marti” Griffith Wittevrongel; children Sarah Fulton (Steve) and Clara “Clary” Melzer (Steve); 4 grandchildren whom he adored as well as a host of extended family members. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to consider two scholarships Witt always supported: he had a special bond with President John Thrasher and enjoyed talking to him since they had both served in Vietnam. The John E. Thrasher Military and Leadership Award will annually support a student of exceptional leadership and character at Florida State University, who is also a high-performing senior ROTC cadet commissioning into the US Air Force, Army, or Navy. Memorial contributions may be made to the FSU Foundation at Building 325 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Witt would also encourage you to consider another scholarship fund that was established by a very special Rock Island High School educator Jack Eggspuehler, as well as his wife and sons in memory of E. Dorothy Peterson: Augustana College, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201. A memorial service will be held at the Maguire Center of Westminster Oaks on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 10:00am with a reception to follow in the nearby Oak Room and Pub. A committal service with military honors will be held at Tallahassee National Cemetery on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 10:00am. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Lt Col Donald Maurice Wittevrongel, USAF Ret.

May 5, 1930 - August 15, 2026