Fred Robert Witte

February 24, 1933 - December 26, 2022

JAMUL — Our Beloved Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather Fred Robert Witte passed away peacefully on December 26, 2022, at the age of 89. A trailblazer in the glass industry, he was known as the “God Father of the Glazing Industry”.

Fred was born February 24, 1933, in Los Angeles, California to John and Louise Witte. He was a devoted son and brother to sisters Nita and Jackie. He graduated from Los Angeles City High School in 1951 and married the love of his life, Dixie Lee Hartgrove on 12-28-52. Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and completed his service and started a family.

Fred moved his family to San Diego, CA in 1963, where he would operate several successful businesses and raise his three boys with Dixie. Fred was a mentor to so many people in the glass industry that the list is far too large to mention everyone. He retired at 88 years young.

Fred was an avid outdoorsman, from Safaris in Africa, Deer Hunting in Utah, Dove and Duck hunting in Imperial Valley and Mexico to Fishing in Alaska. His favorite lake for trout fishing was Panguitch Lake in Utah, where he developed a whole community around the lake. His favorite hunting destination was the Rio Hardy River in Mexicali, Mexico, where so many great memories were made.

Fred was a family man, family first, business second. His Mom once told us he was breaking change at 5 years old selling newspapers on the sidewalk. He loved to make a buck! He told us one of the proudest things he accomplished outside of family and business was becoming an AL Bahr Shriner. Fred R Witte, 32*, was a member of Al Bahr Shrine of San Diego Scottish Rite and a member of Heartland Lodge in El Cajon.

Fred is survived by his wife Darlene Witte who he married on February 13, 1993, along with his children Fred W. Witte and his wife Nancy Witte, Jack R. Witte and Don E. Witte and wife Carrie L. Witte. He was blessed with five beautiful grandchildren Krissy, Jenna, Daniel, Steven and Debra. He also had 6 great-grandchildren Jamie, Boone, Robin, Rylee, Peyton and Rhett.

Over the last years Fred was watched over by his loving and caring wife of 30 years Darlene, we are so thankful and appreciative for all she did for him.

Although we will miss him, we know he is in a better and more peaceful place. God Bless him.

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