Clarence "Bud" Wittkop

Clarence F. “Bud” Wittkop, 95, Devils Lake, ND died on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at the Good Samaritan Center in Devils Lake. A private family graveside service will be held on Friday at the Devils Lake Cemetery with Rev. Roger Leonhardt officiating. Clarence Frederick John Wittkop was born on June 22, 1912 in Freshwater Township, on the family farm 7 miles northwest of Devils Lake, the only son of Charles and Helena (Frerichs) Wittkop. He received his education and graduated from the 8th grade at Freshwater School in 1925. After completing his education, he worked with his father on the farm. He was united in marriage to Edith Helland on December 3, 1934 in Devils Lake. Bud continued helping his father on the family farm until he took over the farming operation after his father’s death in 1939. What I’ve written is a little part of Bud’s life that I’m sure he would have enjoyed sharing with others. After the death of his father, he later acquired more land and continued farming until 1981. Although Bud was actively engaged in farming most of his life, his biggest desire had always been automotive mechanics. One of his first major engine overhauls was in the basement of Lake Chevrolet Motor Company when he was 17 years old. In the 1930’s, when he couldn’t buy a tractor, he built one out of various farm machinery. During the winter months, he worked at various garages in Devils Lake, including Lake Chevrolet Motor Company, Massey Harris, Oldsmobile and many years for the Westland Oil Company. In 1957, he worked in Solana Beach, California for Texaco, as a Service Technician. He really enjoyed his job with Texaco because they were located on busy Highway 101 and there was always someone in need that Bud could help. In 1972, he opened up his garage in Devils Lake called “Bud’s Repair”, which he operated during the winter months along with his farming operation during the summer. In 1981, he rented out his farm and worked in his shop full time. In May of 2000, a fire totally destroyed his garage and all of his equipment and at age 88 he rebuilt, bought new tools and equipment and started up again. He worked on almost anything and he always said “if man can make it, man can fix it”. He enjoyed helping people and his shop was open 7 days a week, even on Christmas and New Years. Most of the time he only charged people what they could afford. The lights in his shop were on almost every evening and he was available if someone needed help. One summer a family from Romania, traveling through Devils Lake, had a breakdown and they stayed at his house which was located next to the garage for several days until their bus was repaired. He specialized in Volkswagon mechanics and Volkswagon related farm equipment repair. He worked on equipment as far away as Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada. In 2005, at age 93, health problems forced Bud to close his repair business and move into the Odd Fellows Home. He later moved to the Good Samaritan Home and was a resident there until the time of his death. Bud’s era in farming went from horses, to Steam Power, to Gasoline Power and finally to Diesel Power. The original farmstead which has homesteaded in 1885, is still in the Wittkop name after 122 years. He was born the same year the Titanic was sunk when hit struck an iceberg, and he still remembered the sirens the day they blew in Devils Lake to announce the end of World War I. His wealth of knowledge and history will greatly be missed. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edith; youngest daughter, Judy Page (Gary) of Devils Lake; sisters, Minnie DeBoer (Gus) Grand Rapids, Michigan-Rose McCauley (Jonathon) Detroit, Michigan-Carla McKay (Jack) Grand Harbor Station, ND-Mabel Koch (Louis) Egeland, ND-Helen Frank (William) Devils Lake and special friend, Elizabeth Agar, Devils Lake. He is survived by his son, Charles (Loretta) Wittkop, Devils Lake Daughter, Dr. Peggy Larson (Roger Prior), Williston, Vermont Granddaughter: Karen Wittkop (Gary Lindsay) Germfask, Michigan Grandsons: Dr. Greg Volk (Kathy), Devils Lake Jeff Volk (Mary, Crookston, MN Four Great Grandchildren