Comments on: Col. Robert A. Wittstruck, Jr.

By: Reg Clothier

Reg Clothier — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 02:14:45 +0000

Dear Barb
I have fond memories of Bob when he visited Paraparaumu, New Zealand with the Friendship Force in 2001. Although he was hosted by another couple we became firm friends. I think our interest in music and singing contributed to that but Bob was just one of those guys who drew people to him. He was always so warm and friendly and generous. I remember visiting Nebraska in 2004 and surprising Bob at his favourite karoke bar. Do you recall the surprise we gave him Barb?You planned it! We had a wonderful night and one I will never forget as it is my last memory of that great guy.Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Reg and Irene Clothier
Friendship Force of Kapiti Coast, NZ

By: John Frank Sherman

John Frank Sherman — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:17:42 +0000

I had met Bob through my father, who had also served in the NE Army Guard. Bob had always been kind to me during the few times that I had met him and with a good sense of humor. But I did not know that he was a great singer, that fact was new to me; but, I knew that his son, Gary, was a great singer. The last time that I had seen Bob was when he gave me a helicopter ride from Ashland to Lincoln, NE. Regardless, the older we get it seems that when relatives, friends and associates pass; like Bob, it doesn’t get easier to cope with the passing as the event forces all of us to consider our own mortality. But Bob was unique and he will be significantly missed by all of us! JFrank Sherman

By: Richard Spencer

Richard Spencer — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 22:11:19 +0000

I have many memories of Bob dating back to the 1970s. Bob would come to the Aku Tiki Lounge every so often and sing two or three songs with the Mac Five (I was the drummer). He was always a hit! He loved to sing with or without a band or karaoke backing. He was much more than an amateur singer, he was really talented.

Years later we traveled together with Friendship Force and on several occasions volunteered together as refreshment servers at Friendship Force events. I always looked forward to seeing Bob at events. He always had a Friendly greeting for everyone. All who knew him will miss Bob’s singing, wit, wisdom, and friendship. Rest in peace my friend – the song is ended, but the melody lingers on.

By: Deloris (Ryman) Oltman

Deloris (Ryman) Oltman — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:56:15 +0000

Dear Barb,
I have been thinking about how you are doing and then sadly see Bob has passed.
As we have all learned in our lives, it is with treasured memories we keep our loved close… always within our hearts!Let the joy you shared with Bob, help you now.
Hoping you, Robert, Judy, Jim, Scott and Lori, and families are doing well. Sometime in the near future would be good to hear from any of you to catch up. Email me or call 402-475-3141 or 402-525-4688.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Deloris

By: Bill and Evonne Williams

Bill and Evonne Williams — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:52:49 +0000

We were honored to take Mr. Wittstruck on the Heartland Honor Flight.
We are very sorry for your loss.

By: Susan Pierce

Susan Pierce — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 22:21:44 +0000

To all of Bob’s family, I am very sorry for your loss. Bob was one of a kind. I’ve known him since 1985 when he and Mary Lu went to Helsingborg, Sweden, with me (Friendship Force exchange). We had a mutual friend from Helsingborg, the late Johny Ericsson, who we welcomed to Lincoln several times. In more recent years I’ve seen him at FF events with Barb. Surely Bob must be singing in Heaven now. He had a good, long life here but I know he is missed. May you find comfort in your hearts.