Obituary of Judy L. Wittenberg

Judy Wittenberg passed away on June 29, 2024, at Park Centre in Newton. A time of remembrance and celebration of life will be 10:30 am, Monday, July 8, 2024, at the First United Methodist Church in Newton, with a visitation the night prior: 4:00 to 6:00, Sunday, July 7, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. In lieu of flowers, and as an expression of sympathy, memorials may be designated to First United Methodist Church or to Progress Industries. Judy Wittenberg, 83, was born April 7, 1941, in Independence, IA, the daughter of Ward and Edna (Ebaugh) Peterson. She was a graduate of the Winthrop High School, Class of 1958. She attended the St. Luke's Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduating in 1961. While Judy was working as a pediatric nurse at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa (1961-1962), she met her husband-to-be while he was doing medical school rotations. On August 18, 1962, Judy was united in marriage with Dr. Erwin (Erv) Wittenberg, in Independence, IA. Moving to Newton in 1966, Judy devoted her life to her family, her friends, her church (First United Methodist Church), and her community. For a few years in the 1980's, she worked as the Coordinator for the Jasper County Volunteer Program. Judy volunteered in the Candy Stripers hospital program with her daughter, Colleen, she served in a greeting card ministry, and she also wrote many articles for the local newspaper. In 1991, she was awarded the Governor's Volunteer Award. Judy was involved in many hobbies and organizations, including Bridge Club, gardening, Project Awake Garden Tour, bird watching, TTT, and PEO. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Judy is survived by her daughter Colleen Wittenberg of Newton; her son Dr. Craig (Angela) Wittenberg of Pella; her daughter Cami (Aaron) Gunsaulus of Newton; her fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a brother Richard Peterson of Vicksburg, MS; and her many good friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ward and Edna; her husband of 59 years, Erv; her sister, Jean Nichols; and her brother, Ray Peterson.