Raymond Alfred Witzel

Our beloved father Raymond Alfred Witzel returned home to his Heavenly Father on Sunday, October 23, 2022. He was the youngest of 7 children born to Johann Witzel and Emma Popp. Johann and Emma immigrated from Germany to the United States.  Dad was born on January 3, 1927.  He was preceded in death by all of his Brothers and Sisters and also by his wife, Verla, wife Laura Dickenson, Bruce Johnson (son-in-law), and twin great granddaughters,  Alexa Brittany and Bailey Rebecca Johnson
Dad served an honorable LDS mission to the Northern States and upon returning he met Verla Merrill, they fell in  love and he proposed to her before she left to the Southern States Mission.  After her mission Mom and Dad were married on August 4, 1950 in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of 8 wonderful children: Rebecca Johnson, Julie Brewster (Delmar), Ron (Ursula Fiedel) Merrill (Melissa Nicholas), Claudia Washburn (Brian), Gary, Bryan (Angela VanWyngaarden), Alan (Marley Cordova), 28 Grandchildren, 61 Great Grandchildren and so far 5 great, great grandchildren.
Shortly after their marriage Dad enlisted in the Army but was able to serve for only 3 months before he was given an honorable medical discharge. He said the discharge was for his back which was strange because he had never had any back problems before or since. He got home 2 days before the birth of their first child Rebecca.
He worked mainly in sales during his life. He ended up selling and repairing sewing machines. He did this until he was in his 80’s. We miss being able to have our sewing machines repaired by Dad! He was the best! He knew how to sew and even sewed his own pants at one time.
He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and loved to serve in the church and had various callings including:  Stake Young Men’s Presidency, Bishopric, Stake Clerk for many years and he also served in the Salt Lake Temple.
He was an ardent photographer; he had a dark room in the basement and developed his own film which he enjoyed very much. He was famous in the family for his waffles and enjoyed making them for the family. He loved to take us water skiing every Wednesday (his day off work) and taught everyone how to waterski, even though he couldn’t do it himself. He and Mom loved to travel and they went to the Shakespeare festival every year. Once the children were married, they enjoyed traveling with families separately on their various vacations.
Dad and Mom were heavily involved with the Living Arts Festival in Glendale, Utah. They also served as ushers for the Utah Symphony which was Mom’s great love. While married to Laura he went dancing quite often, which was her great love. He said he didn’t think he was very good at it.
During his 95 years Dad impacted many lives and he will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at Memorial Redwood, 6500 S Redwood Rd.  On November 2, 2022. Viewing will be from 9:30 – 10:45am  The funeral will begin at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Institute The Family  would  like to thank Harmony Hospice, specifically, Jamie, Lisa, and McKenna for the wonderful care and friendship they gave to our Dad.
Service Information
Viewing November 2, 2022 at 9:30 AM -10:45 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery





Celebration of Life
November 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery