Foster John Witthauer, 96 a resident of Silver City, NM entered eternal rest Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Gila Regional Medical Center. He was born September 26, 1927 in Edgewater, CO to Otto John and Mary E. Witthauer.
A graduate of North High School in Denver, CO, Mr. Witthauer enrolled in the Colorado School of Mines in the fall of 1945 before enlisting in the U.S. Army in the spring of 1946. He served 3 years, including graduation from Officer Candidate School. Following discharge from the US. Army, Mr. Witthauer returned to the Colorado School of Mines.
He graduated with a degree in Metallurgy in 1952. Mr. Witthauer worked in the mining industry for 40 years. He began his career in Gilman, CO, working for the New Jersey Zinc Company, in an underground Zinc mine and mill, rising to mill superintendent. Mr. Witthauer finished his working career as contractor superintendent at the Tyrone Operation, of the Phelps Dodge Corporation. Mr. Witthauer moved to Silver City from Tyrone and made his home in Silver City for the balance of his life, after retiring from Phelps Dodge in 1992.
He is survived by his loving wife Virginia of the family home; four sons, Jeremy Witthauer and wife Ruth of Queens, NY; Timothy Witthauer of Seattle, WA; Peter Witthauer and wife Lora of Aurora, CO; Stephen Witthauer of Silver City; one daughter, Rebecca Wynia and husband David of Watertown, MN; five grandchildren, Nadiana Evenden, Tabitha, Sarah, Deborah, and Hannah; three nephews, Geoffrey, Clark, and Blake Williams. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Beverly Williams.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 9:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Pastor Joseph Gros officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers are Jeremy Witthauer, Timothy Witthauer, Pete Witthauer, Stephen Witthauer and David Wynia.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send
condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.