Hans was raised in Lockhart and graduated from high school there.

He then went to Texas A & M graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Husbandry and served in the Corp as a Battalion Quartermaster.

He graduated as a Commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army. Hans and Mary Ann were married on January 28, 1951.

Hans worked at the Green Valley Cattle Company in Fentress, Tx. followed by two years of service in the Army. In 1955 he began a job with Texas Trading Company in Edna working for Mary Ann’s dad. From 1957-1998 he was the John Deere Dealer in Edna. He joined the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce in 1958, and in 1967 he was chosen as the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year.” In 1968 he joined Beefmaster Breeders Universal (BBU). In 1976 he became president of the Lone Star Beefmasters Association (satellite of BBU). He served 8 years on the BBU board holding different positions. In 1983 he was honored by being named Breeder of the Year.

From 1968-2015 he was chairman/member of every committee for BBU including Breed Improvement for 10 years. In 2003 Hans was inducted into the BBU Hall of Fame. From 1957-2014 he was awarded “Rancher of the Year” several times in Jackson County. From 1968 to present Hans had the good fortune to have won many champion and grand champion trophies with BBU. In 2017 Hans received the “Legends” Award for 50 years as a member of BBU. Hans also served as deacon and elder in the Edna Presbyterian Church for many years.

Hans is survived by two sons: Randy (Joanie), and Joe Mack (Beverly).

Grandchildren who will forever cherish many memories of their “Papa” as he was affectionately known to the family are Lauren Fulrath (Cam), Leah Trombly (Sean), Frances Tomek (Kyle), Jaime Rea (fiancé Phil), KB DeBord (Brooke), Jake Wittenburg (Chelsea), Amanda Compton (Jake), Jacob DeBord (Kristan), Jodi DeBord (fiancé Tyson), Amy Chambless (Jake) and 22 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Hans and Ella Wittenburg, wife Mary Ann Wittenburg, son Fritz Wittenburg, and great granddaughter Presley Rose DeBord.

A visitation was held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m., all in the Oaklawn Funeral Home Chapel, the burial followed in the Memory Gardens Cemetery with Reverend Terry Bozarth officiating.

Pallbearers were Cam Fulrath, Sean Trombly, Kyle Tomek, Jake Wittenburg, Jacob DeBord, KB DeBord, Jake Compton, and Jake Chambless. Honorary pallbearers are Roger Coleman, Ronnie DeBord, Ed Sralla, E.C. Larkin, Jim Colvin, Wendell Shronk, and Nolan Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following: South Texas Children’s Home, PO Box 1210, Beeville, Texas 78104 Grow in Grace Assisted Living, 105 6th St., Ganado, Texas 77962 Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association (JBBA) c/o BBU PO Box 3790 Bryan, TX 77805.

The Wittenburg Family would like to acknowledge Kim Hicks and the amazing staff at Grow in Grace Assisted Living in Ganado as well as Crown Hospice of Victoria for their care and compassion for Hans.

Arrangements are under the direction of Oaklawn Funeral Home in Edna.

361- 782-2221. www.oaklawnfhednatx.

com