Duane Witkovsky

Duane C. Witkovsky, age 85, passed away Friday, February 11, 2011 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility, following a period of declining health. Duane was born June 30, 1925 in Elmwood Township, the son of the late Charles & Zetta (Crankshaw) Witkovsky. He was united in marriage with Margaret Virginia Cottrell on February 12, 1947 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro. She preceded him in death on July 27, 1995. Duanes working career began as a farm manager for E. B. Schwaderer on Section 16 before beginning a job in the construction of Hills & Dales General Hospital in Cass City. Following the construction of the hospital, Duane would continue his employment at Hills & Dales as chief engineer, a position he held for twenty-seven years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro, a third degree member of the Caro Knights of Columbus Council #3224 and a life member of the Michigan Society of Healthcare Engineers. Duanes retirement was often spent helping people as a licensed electrician or at the Knights of Columbus hall, both activities he thoroughly enjoyed. For his involvement with the Knights of Columbus, he was awarded the Knight of the Year Award in 2005 by the Caro Council. Left to cherish his memory are two children, Katherine & Ronald Cummins of Adrian, Charles Witkovsky and his wife, Patty, of Caro; four grandchildren and their spouses, Deanna & Ade Badiru of Northville, William & Jessica Witkovsky of Springfield, Missouri, Justin Cummins of Adrian, Melissa Witkovsky of Grand Rapids; three great-grandchildren, Nehemiah Witkovsky, Luciana Witkovsky and Blake Badiru; one brother, Donald Witkovsky and his wife, Doris, of Caro; brothers-in-law, Ed Bennick, Francis Cottrell and his wife, Dorothy, both of Caro; and many nieces and nephews.