WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
evening January 1, 2010 at his home.
He was born October 16, 1919 in Manitou Beach, Michigan a son to the
late Jay Ralph and Clara Belle (Heslet) Pittenger.
Mr. Pittenger had resided in Sturgis since 1940 coming from Hudson,
Michigan. On September 11, 1942 he married Lorene Dixon in Petersburg,
Virginia.
Following 40 years of truck driving he retired from Murphy Transport.
During that time he received two one million mile safe driving awards.
He was proud to have served his country for 4 ½ years during WWII in the
U.S. Army earning the rank of Sergeant. For 2 ½ years he was stationed
in the South Pacific.
Mr. Pittenger was a life member of B.P.O.Elks #1381 in Sturgis and was
also a member of Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and Neuman-Wenzel
Post #73 American Legion. He enjoyed fishing, was always tinkering and
loved wintering in Florida.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lorene, One Son; Thomas
(Dixie) Pittenger of Sturgis, Three Grandchildren; Timothy Pittenger of
Sturgis, Tracy (Doug Flint) Pittenger of Sturgis and Tiffany (Robert)
Wehner of Huntertown, Indiana, Four Great Grandchildren; Damon Wehner,
Paige Wehner, Vanessa Wehner and A.J. Flint, One Sister; Vivian Guss of
Jackson, One Niece; Paula Sue Watts of Jackson and several cousins
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Tuesday at the
*Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd.,
Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-3284*. Funeral services celebrating the life
of Jay R. Pittenger will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral
home. Mr. Larry Wallman will officiate. A graveside committal will
follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis where a military flag
presentation will be made by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr.
Pittenger’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis,
MI 49091 or St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, 103 S. Douglas, Three
Rivers, MI 49093.
