Erik Joseph Wittbrodt, 30, of Coldwater passed away Friday, January 7, 2022 in Portsmouth, VA.
A funeral service will be held Monday, January 17, 2022 at 11:00AM at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. The family will receive guests for visitation on Sunday, January 16, 2022 from 12 noon-4:00 p.m at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater at a later date.
He was born January 25, 1991 to Paul and Tamara Wittbrodt in Marshall, MI. Erik was a 2009 graduate of Coldwater High School where he played football, baseball, and ran track. Upon graduation, Erik enrolled at Wayne State University and majored in Journalism.
After completing 3 years in college, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he proudly served his country throughout his many deployments to the Middle East and abroad. Erik was attached to helicopter squadron HSC-22 Sea Knights during his time and service with the Navy. This found him aboard many naval ships such as the USNS Arctic, the USS Roosevelt, the USS Iwo Jima and many others, each with their own experiences but with all came many friendships that he greatly valued.
After mustering out of the Navy, Erik worked in the private sector continuing in the field of helicopter and jet repair maintenance. He also became an instructor, teaching and sharing his vast experience.
Erik was outgoing and carried on his passion for traveling outside of the service by traveling the world. The outdoors was his domain whether it was hunting and fishing or restoring classic cars and motorcycles he enjoyed it all; but above everything else, Erik loved his family. His generous and caring heart was known by many and will be so dearly missed by all.
In addition to his parents Paul and Tamara Wittbrodt of Coldwater, Erik is survived by his brother Paul Anthony Wittbrodt of Hillsdale; his aunts and uncles Bobbi Fraley of Sherwood, MI, Patricia (Chano) Fuentes of Ada, MI, Dana (Paul) Silva-Haynes of Cascade, MI, Ashley (Adam) Silva-Cooper of Silver Spring, MD, Clifford (Laurie) Wittbrodt of Hudsonville, MI, Jeff (Cassandra) Silva of Lowell, MI, Joel (Jennifer) Silva of Grand Rapids, MI, Christopher (Sheree) Silva of Coldwater, Joshua Silva of Grand Rapids, MI; his grandparents Joseph (LaVonne) Silva of Union City; his nieces and nephews Ethan, Owen, Nathan, Alyssa, Logan, Maxwell, Andre, Anthony, Rachel, Kairi, Carter, Ali, Emma, Danielle, and Emmett.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Paul (Carol) Wittbrodt, his Great grandparents Robert (Dorothy) Milliman, Beatrice Riedner, Frederick Hofmann, and Gertrude Baginski.
Memorial donations are suggested to the Humane Society of Branch County.
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