Obituary: Wittkopf, Louise
She was surrounded by a loving extended family that will miss her tremendously.
Louise was born in Sandpoint ID on March 9, 1930.
She was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Anne, her husband Larry and beloved nieces Linda, Cheryl, Mary Lou and Susie.
She is survived by her children, Julie Clare, Larry Wittkopf, Robin Wittkopf and Ron Wittkopf and son-in-law Hal and daughter-in-law Kristy, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Louise graduated from Rogers High School in 1948.
She was active in the National Honor Society, Glee Club and was named an outstanding Pirette.
She was especially proud of her work as the Red Cross Committee Chair.
After High School she continued her education at Eastern State College where she earned her teaching certificate.
During College she was active in the drill team known as the Savagette’s.
She lived in Monroe Hall and while at Eastern a group of friends was formed and that group remained connected for the remainder of their lives.
She taught Kindergarten for a couple of years in the Spokane area.
A photograph of Louise with her kindergarten class in 1953 and 54 shows her beaming with pride with her 40 students.
It was evident that children, just made her happy.
She married the love of her life, Larry in June of 1954.
They had their first child in November of 1955 and three more followed over the next nine years.
During those years Larry and his brother Harold formed a company, Wittkopf Trucking.
Louise took care of the books, answered phone and managed payroll for many years until Larry and Harold passed away.
Her son Larry took over the business in 1979 and Wittkopf Landscape Supply is still a successful family run business today.
Nothing gave Mom more pleasure than children, not only her own four children and her grandchildren but really all children.
She looked forward to summer vacations from school so that she could spend more time with her brood and always had something fun in store.
She was a surrogate or secondary Mom to many of her kid’s friends as well and kept them close to her heart for her entire life.
Her volunteerism and generosity were largely seen in involvement with her children and grandchildren.
She was a Cub Scout Leader, a Girl Scout Leader, involved in PTA and Jobs Daughters.
She was always on the sidelines for her grandkids sporting events and ice skating practices.
As a past president of Eagles Auxiliary #2 she volunteered for Meals on Wheels, food caravans, Special Olympics, Relay for Life, Spokane Blood Bank and many more.
Louise was an adept quilter.
She kept a notebook by her bed, just in case an interesting pattern idea came to her during the night.
That often happened and she would spend days figuring out just how to make the pattern work and then began cutting and soon the dream would become a reality.
She often made a quilt for Christmas and when the family played the gift exchange game, it was always the most sought after and coveted gift.
Many family and friends have examples of her handiwork gracing their beds and homes.
She also was an avid gardener.
It was more important to have her yard looking greater than her house.
She loved the warm months, digging in the dirt and admiring her flowers and shrubs.
She loved the Mariners in the summer and the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the winter.
Even though she did not like cold weather, she helped pass the cold months by feeding birds outside her window.
There was always at least one dog in her life from the time she was a child.
Her current dog, Tootsie, has a new home with granddaughter Miranda and is doing well.
Mom was always hospitable; she loved having people visit and never cared if her house was tidy when a visitor showed up at her door.
She was more interested in talking and laughing with the visitors and getting them a cup of her strong coffee.
She also enjoyed an occasional visit to the local casinos.
The family wishes to send our sincere thank you to the Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice of Spokane for their assistance in the care of Louise in the final month of her life.
At her request, no funeral will be held, however a Memorial Service and party will be planned in the spring.
If you would like to be notified of the Memorial Service please email mirandawilliams.wittkopf@gmail.com or call Miranda at 998-5522.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Mom’s name to The Spokane Humane Society, 6607 N. Havana St., Spokane, WA 99217 or Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, Spokane, WA 99202.