MICHAEL J. ‘POPEYE’ WITTENBERG

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Michael J. ‘Popeye’ Wittenberg, 75, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at his home.

Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Riverview Center in Muscatine. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made out to the Gilda’s Club. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

Mike was born on September 30, 1950, in Vinton, Iowa, the son of Howard and Rosella Miller Wittenberg.

Mike graduated from Iowa City West where his love of racing lead him to his long career in mechanics. Mike spent many years working at Glenn’s Conoco in Bennett, Iowa. In 1988, he started a new career in the steel industry, retiring from Gerdau in 2016. He was a member of the Steel Workers local 8581 for 24 years.

Mike was a hard worker and everyone’s handyman. He loved fishing and tinkering with all things in his shop. After retirement, he enjoyed watching the Cubs, Hawkeyes, and puzzles of all types. Mike was a friend to everyone and was always willing to help and teach anyone in need. Most of all, he loved spending time with his grandkids.

Mike is survived by his children, Michael (Jessica) Wittenberg Jr., Matt Wittenberg, Mellissa (Victor) Vega, and Nicole (Ray) Vasquez; grandchildren, Ryan Wittenberg, Allie (Dallas) Wittenberg, Kelsey Vasquez, Kobe (Kailyn) Vasquez, Emma Wittenberg, Madelyn Vega, and Lani Vega; siblings, Diana Edwards, Janice Wilkinson, Howard (Nancy) Wittenberg Jr.; and David Wittenberg; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Arlene Starosta.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Wittenberg; brother-in-law, Stan Wilkinson; and sister-in-law, Kathy Wittenberg.