Delbert L. "Del" Witherwax

Delbert L. Witherwax (“Del”), 75, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away on January 26, 2021 following complications from a prior stroke.

Del was born on June 2, 1945 in Redbird, Nebraska to Leonard C. and Myrtle E. (Weihe) Witherwax. He was the middle of five children and was raised on a family ranch north and west of Cody. There, his life-long work ethic was instilled. He attended Cody Public Grade School and graduated from Cody High School in 1965. Following graduation, he enlisted in the military until 1969. During his time in the U.S. Navy he earned decorations for his service in the Vietnam War.

After the war, he was stationed in New London, Connecticut on a submarine tender, The Fulton. There he met and married his Rhode Island sweetheart, Judith Walsh (“Judy”), on August 2, 1969. They began their married life in Rhode Island where they welcomed their first daughter, Doreen, and their first son, Bryan. The family relocated to Council Bluffs, Iowa in the early 1970’s where they welcomed their second daughter, Susan, and second son, Kenneth.
Del worked for Janesville, Burlington Northern Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and CBS Home Realty. Del was a member and past president to the Optimist Club as well as the Council Bluffs Rifle and Pistol Club. He was also a member of Pheasants Forever, VFW, American Legion, Fly Fishing Club, The Eagles Club, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Anyone who knew Del knew that he was a loving husband and father. Del will be remembered for his dedication to his family. He supported his four children in each of their numerous activities as they grew. He and Judy were always attending sporting events for the grandchildren as well, giving them love and encouragement along the way. He enjoyed doing a host of activities that involved the great outdoors. Del always looked forward to seeing his numerous friends and making new ones. He had a magnetic personality and a witty sense of humor. Most of all he loved spending time traveling with his wife, Judy.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Judy; children Doreen (Tim) Herbert, Bryan (Rachel), Susan (Joe), and Kenneth (Maggie); four grandchildren; Dane and Cade Herbert, Ethan and London Witherwax; and numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Del was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Myrtle; his sisters Vivian Fish Whirlwind, Vera Shook, Beverly Galloway; and his brother, Gary Witherwax.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home & Crematory in Council Bluffs.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021 at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home & Crematory in Council Bluffs. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Omaha National Veteran’s Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the family for a later designation.