Birth date: Apr 8, 1937 Death date: Aug 28, 2014
Dr. (Paul) Joe Wittmer was born to the late William and Anna Wittmer in 1937 in Montgomery, Indiana. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue Torr Wittmer, his three children, Diane Wittmer Thompson and Scott Wittmer from Melro Read Obituary
I remember Dr. Wittmer's humor, compassion, peaceful, and warm disposition during my school counseling preparation at UF. I am blessed to have had his wisdom shared to me as a student. My prayers and thoughts are with his loved ones and friends.
Sue,
I am saddened to learn of Joe's death. He was a dear colleague and I recall his support in many situations. We both began our careers in Fort Wayne, IN and continued to long service in Counselor Education. Joe was so helpful to me when I was working on my first book. I shall cherish those good memories of a distinguished colleague and friend.
Don C. Locke
Weaverville, NC
I was Joe's colleague in the College of Education and enjoyed working with him. May you be comforted by good memories of him. Peace be with you.
Elizabeth Yeager Washington
Joe was a friend for almost 40 years. During the racial tensions on campus during the late '70s and early '80s, we rented busses and took 35 black students and 35 white students to a camp in Ocala for intensive, 2 day weekend "seminars". Joe was the facilitator, and taught the students "how to listen and communicate". We did this several times, and Joe freely contributed his time and talent to this. No one was better at getting others to open up and share their feelings than Joe was. Everyone who was at these retreats came to respect and appreciate Joe. Much of the credit for campus racial peace during those volatile years was a result of Joe's quiet, but effective work. He never sought any credit for what he did, and few others on campus ever even knew about this leadership on his part. He knew how to help students deal with anger and frustration, and helped them learn about themselves and others. He was the best...period. I was very lucky to have him as a friend.
Art Sandeen, retired Vice President for Student Affairs
Ed and I have known Joe Wittmer since we were all in high school together. Joe was influential in getting Ed to go to Indiana State University after he returned from four years in the Navy. They were fraternity brothers and lifelong friends. Ed has known
Sue since college, as well. Joe was a soft-spoken giant of a man whom we both loved. His first thought was always of the other person. We all have lost someone very, very special. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and all of the family.
Joe Wittmer was like a son to my Dad. He has always exemplified the definition of a truly beautiful human being. The Page family mourns his death and sends our deepest sympathy. He made this world a better place by his example and his influence. We will miss him.
Joe was a wonderful colleague and department chair during my 9 years at UF. His advice, mentoring, and kindness helped shape me during my first counselor education position and he deserves much credit for the counselor educator I became. I still frequently quote one of Joe’s frequent comments to persuade me to be on some committee or teach a specific course he needed filled “It will look good on your CV!” Joe, you had an amazing life and quite a CV! My deepest condolences to Sue, Dianne, Scott, and David. Peggy Fong Bloom, Professor Emeritus, Marquette University
Dear Sue and Family,
Our hearts are heavy as we grieve with you. We are thankful that we were able to connect and "catch up" the last couple of years at the Lambda Chi Reunions in FL. We celebrate the wonderful life that Joe led impacting many people. Kay will always remember your sharing how Pauline Abrams had such an influence on Joe since I grew up in Elnora and Pauline taught with my Mother, was my teacher and a good family friend. Going to school with Wilmer at Indiana State and as a Lambda Chi, I always held Joe in the highest esteem.
Steve and Kay Sander
JOE WAS A TEAM MATE OF MINE ON THE LOOGOOTEE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM AS WELL AS A GREAT BUDDY. ONE OF LAST TIMES WE TALKED, I TOLD HIM I HAD THE PICTURE OF OUR TEAM HANGING ON MY WALL. HE SAID HE HAD THE SAME PICTURE HANGING IN HIS HOUSE. REST IN PEACE JOE. YOU WERE A TRAILBLAZER.
Dr. Wittmer was one of my major professors (1987-1995) throughout all my graduate degrees at UF (and on my dissertation committee. I had the privilege and honor of working with such a talented, warm, and kind gentleman. I remember him fondly and miss him. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a friend.
