Born April 4, 1932, died peacefully at home at age 91 on November 18, 2023. Born to Marguerite and Edward Wittgen, Ed was raised in Evansville, Indiana and attended Memorial High School with his future wife, Barbara (Bobbie) Mooney. He attended St Louis University for both college (class of 54) and medical school (class of 58) and married Bobbie while a medical student. He completed a residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Saint Louis University and became a well-respected surgeon in the St Louis community. He served as the president for the medical staff at Saint Louis University Hospital, Deaconess, St Joseph’s, and Saint Mary’s Hospital during his 55 year career. Bobbie was his constant support both at home and professionally through volunteering and working with hospital auxiliaries until her death in 2019.
Ed quietly supported his extended family and numerous other individuals allowing them to achieve their dreams of a college degree. He had a unique ability to fix nearly anything with very few tools both in and out of the operating room. He was admired for both his sense of humor and speed. His random acts of kindness began long before the trend and continued his entire life.
Ed is survived by 2 daughters, Catherine M. (David Horan MD JD) Wittgen MD, and Mary Carol (Andrew) Parker JD and grandchildren Victoria Wittgen MD26, Caroline Parker DVM, and Clare Parker DPT24, his siblings Mary Wittgen Weiss, John Wittgen DDS and Robert Wittgen and their children. His large extended family includes Dr. Elizabeth (Peter) Spataro and their children Emily (Nedim Durakovic MD) Spataro MD, Andrew Spataro, and Katherine Spataro DNP, Ted (Sarah JD) Horan JD and their children Thomas and Patrick, Kathryn Jones (Andrew) and their children Graham and Asher and Ellyn (Brecht) Mulvihill JD and their son Oliver.
Services: Visitation Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois. Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Wednesday, November 29 ,11:30 a.m. to Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church for 12 noon Mass. Entombment Oak Hill Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cor Jesu Academy or to Saint Louis University.
A fitting tribute for a man who led by example. He achieved so much in his life time, and set a great example to follow. Rest in peace, Dr Wittgen! My condoléances to his entire family and all his dear friends.
What a legacy of family!
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
I worked for Dr. Wittgen many years at Lansdowne Orthopedic Group. He was a caring boss with a great sense of humor. After retiring, he would still drop into our new office and say hello when he was there. Always went above and beyond for his employees. I will never forget him and his family.
Marycarol and family
My condolences on the loss of your father. I have fond memories of him ….. and your mother, from our grade school years at OLP.
He will be missed
Cathy Conte-Perry
OLP ‘79