Edward M. Wittekind

Edward Merle Wittekind, age 96, went home to Glory on Friday, October 31, 2026, at Belmont Village in Carol Stream, IL.

The most important part of Ed’s life — and the foundation of who he was — was his love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His deep Christian faith shaped every decision he made and guided the way he lived. He was a longtime member of Merrick Baptist Church on Long Island, NY, and later, First Baptist Church of Wheaton, IL (now Highpoint Church - Wheaton), where he remained active in both service and leadership. His nickname was “Steady Eddie” and he lived this out in all facets of his life. A graduate of Union College, NY, he earned a degree in electrical engineering and began his career as a professional engineer with Arma Engineering Company and then Grumman Aerospace Corporation in the aerospace and defense industry where he supervised 120 electrical engineers. In 1985 he began his second career, serving as Vice President of Facilities at CRT (Chicago Research and Trading) where he oversaw major projects, including the build-out of two floors in Chicago’s Sears Tower and a corporate office in New York City. His daughters are so grateful he and Gail made the big move from NY to IL to be near their children and grandchildren. Ed had a lifelong love of trains, which began in his teenage years and often intersected with his passion for photography — capturing train photos from coast to coast. He learned how to take family photos and “selfies” decades before that term became popular. After retirement, he took up long-distance biking and logged enough miles to circle the globe one and a half times, biking into his late eighties. Endlessly curious about how things worked, he was a gifted problem-solver and craftsman. He made new kitchen cabinets for his home in NY, installed his own central air conditioning, built a custom cherry cabinet for his stereo, and completely built out the basement of his townhome in Winfield. If a mechanical or construction problem arose, he usually had ten creative solutions at the ready. His girls never remember having a repairman in their house because Ed could fix anything! Ed gave generously of his time and skills. For many years, he volunteered at Camp Cherith in the Adirondacks, helping to prepare/close the camp each season. At both Merrick Baptist and First Baptist Church of Wheaton, he served as Chair of the Building Committee and oversaw a major expansion and renovation of each church’s facilities. He was a faithful trustee at both of his church homes, counting the offering most Sundays, helping each church to be a good steward of its resources.

When an Alzheimer’s diagnosis made it impossible for him to continue to live at home, he moved to Belmont Village in Carol Stream, IL. Here he continued his incredible kindness…waving at staff and thanking them for their care and reaching out to other residents. His family is so grateful for the relationships he was able to form so quickly with these dedicated and compassionate caregivers who truly helped make Belmont a home away from home.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Nellie Strehl, and by his three children, Barb (Gene) Frost, Nancy (Mike) Mauriello and Wendy (Frank) Fernandes, from his first marriage to Gail Cook Wittekind. He is also remembered fondly by his four stepchildren from his second marriage to Nancy Abels Wittekind, Debbie (Joel) Cramer, Cheryl (Brian) Thompson, Sue (John) Bieker, and Steve Abels; and by his stepson, Matt (Paola) Strehl, through his marriage to Nellie Strehl; as well as his brother Les (Grace) Wittekind and nieces and nephews. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Gail Cook Wittekind; his second wife, Nancy Abels Wittekind; sister Dorothy Wittekind Connors; and his parents Edward & Harriet Hudson Wittekind. Ed’s life was marked by faith, service, ingenuity, love — and laughter. He laughed easily and often, and his genuine kindness and good humor were gifts to all who knew him. He always called himself “Dear Old Dad,” and our Dear Old Dad will be deeply missed.

Memorial gifts may be given to Highpoint Church - Wheaton or Wheaton Academy.

A visitation will be held at Highpoint Church, 1310 N Main St, Wheaton, IL 60187, on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private at Wheaton Cemetery.