Mr. Werner Witzig

Werner Witzig of Uhwiesen, Switzerland, formerly of Hartsville, SC, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2023. Born on June 1, 1936, in Winterthur, Switzerland, Werner was the only child of the late Albert Witzig and Paulina Bolz. He grew up in Uhwiesen and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technikum in Winterthur in 1960. Following graduation, Werner lived in London, England for a brief period before returning to Switzerland where he married his high school sweetheart Louisa Spiess in May of 1962. Together they had a dream to travel and experience life in another country, and that dream became a reality when they made the transatlantic trip to the United States, arriving in New York City harbor on July 4, 1962. After initially working in Beloit, Wisconsin, Werner found a job opportunity with Sonoco and moved to Hartsville where he worked for 30 years in the Engineering department until his retirement. During his time at Sonoco, Werner developed several patents which benefited the company through their innovative solutions and he also traveled to many plant locations, both in the US and abroad. He enjoyed his work and respected his colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. Werner enjoyed traveling around the country to explore the different states along the east coast and out west. Many great memories were made and shared with friends and family. On weekends, he could be found doing woodworking projects around the house, camping with his family at Myrtle Beach, spending time sailing at Lake Robinson or tailgating at Clemson football games. During his retirement, Werner enjoyed spending time with his friends, family and grandchildren. After 56 wonderful years in Hartsville, Werner and Louisa returned home to Switzerland to be closer to family. Surviving are his wife Louisa Witzig of Uhwiesen, Switzerland; son Peter Witzig (Gabriela) of Löhningen Switzerland; daughter Christine Walters (Tim) of Charlotte, NC; and grandchildren Drew Walters (Brenna) of Mauldin, SC; Carter Walters of Charlotte, NC; Derek Witzig of Schaffhausen, Switzerland; and Pauleen Witzig of Löhningen, Switzerland. Werner was preceded in death by his stepmother Margrit Witzig-Schneider of Zofingen, Switzerland. The family extends special thanks to the caregivers at the Zentrum Kohlfirst nursing home in Feuerthalen Switzerland for their compassionate care. A private family service to honor his life will be held at the Evangelical church in Laufen am Rheinfall (Zurich) Switzerland on January 12, 2024, officiated by Rev. Irmgard Keltsch.

Tributes

Mr. Werner Witzig

June 1, 1936 - December 18, 2023