Richard Laverne Wittmer went to be with his Savior on September 17, 2025. He was born to Earl and Gladys Wittmer on October 29, 1943. He married the one and only love of his life, Mary Jane Erb, on July 6, 1963. Together, they built an unshakeable family bond with their four boys, Tim (Shelley), Mike (Julie), Randy (Beenu), and Phil (Mackensie). Their love only multiplied as twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren joined the family. He loved every one of them unreservedly, and they loved him in return.

Laverne had a career in construction before moving to local government, and he retired as the Hartville Street Commissioner in 2009. His boys learned everything there is to know about hard work by watching him. He loved traveling with Mary, both in the United States and abroad, taking long walks in nature, looking up at the sky in awe, fishing, and woodworking. So many of his family and friends have pieces he made with love, especially for them. But his most enduring hobby was probably just having a chat with anybody, at any time, in any place. He had a way of making each person feel like they had a special relationship with him. Laverne's relationship with Jesus was the single most important thing in his life, and he would be the first to tell you that every good thing in him flowed from that. While our hearts are broken, we take comfort to know that he now sees his Savior face to face.

Laverne is survived by his wife Mary, sons Tim (Shelley), Mike (Julie), Randy (Beenu), and Phil (Mackensie); grandchildren Jonathan (Emily), Rebekah, Avery (Janie), Landon, Alayna (Patrick), Christian (Dani), Taylor (Haley), Valiant, Bravery, Caitlin, Ben, and Meryl; great-grandchildren Rory, Brantley, Bennett, Cru, and Callan; sister Virginia (Tom); a number of special in-laws, and too many dear friends to count.

Calling hours will be Monday, September 22, from 4-7 PM at the Arnold Funeral Home in Hartville and Tuesday, September 23, from 10-11 AM at the Chapel in Green at 1800 Raber Rd, Uniontown. Funeral services will be at 11 AM in the church. Please enter through door "A". Final resting place is Mt. Peace Cemetery in Hartville.