John W. Wittmus

John W. Wittmus, age 77, passed away peacefully in his Hayward, WI home on May 30, 2021. 

John William Wittmus was born December 31, 1943 in Harvard, IL to Arnold and Edna Wittmus.  John was raised on a dairy farm and was active in youth groups and choirs of Trinity Lutheran Church.  He sang numerous solos, especially, “The Birthday of a King” always at the stroke of midnight during the Christmas Eve service.  John carried his love of music throughout high school with the Harvard High School choirs and band.  John loved being part of the Madrigal Singers as well as playing marimba in the band.  At the University of Illinois, Champaign he majored in music and later accepted an offer to purchase a flower store, “The Flower Cart”, in Harvard which allowed John to use his sense of design and love for flowers.  John also taught horticulture at McHenry County College and later became a designer and consultant for Windward Silks. 

Most of John’s adult life was spent working in Harvard and the Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin areas helping people prepare for any special event as well as weddings and funerals.  His knowledge, kindness, and compassion were respected and appreciated.  John’s floral arrangements and decorating were always designed creatively and beautifully.

John is survived by a sister, Sandra (William) Ferris of Stone Lake, WI; two beloved nieces, Amy (Samuel) Ferris Ramirez of Leon, Mexico, Molly Gewedik of Shoreview, MN; great nephews, Samuel William Ramirez and Daniel John Ramirez; Edward Philip Gewedik and great niece Sophie Marie Gewedik.  John’s legacy for flowers and design as well as his compassion and kindness are carried on. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his niece’s husband, Jeffrey Gewedik.

A private interment will be in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Harvard, IL in July.  John’s family is grateful to the Senior Resource Center where John was a board member, volunteer and card player.  The family is also thankful for the Hayward Regional Hospice and Sawyer County Ambulance service who cared so well for John.  Memorials for John may be directed to any of these organizations.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John W. Wittmus, please visit our floral store.