Burton Arlo Wittrup

Burton Arlo, son of Walter and Meta (Laursen) Wittrup, was born December 13, 1934, in Elk Horn, IA. He and his four brothers grew up in Elk Horn and attended school there. Burt graduated in 1953 and in 1956 served in the United States Navy until his honorable discharge in 1960. Burt studied at the University of New Mexico where he earned a bachelor's degree in General Studies. He then worked for the Associated Press in New Mexico eventually becoming News Editor and then Chief of Bureau. In 1978, the New Mexico Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi, presented him with the Dan Burrows Memorial Award. After 19 years he left the AP and was the city editor of the now defunct Albuquerque Tribune. During this time Burton married and was the father of three children. For five years Burt taught journalism at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. In 1983, Burt was united in marriage with Carolyn Bennett Wolterstorff. He then served as sports editor and writing coach, among other assignments, at the El Paso Times. After his retirement in 1994 he worked part-time for the business tabloid, El Paso Inc. Burt and Carolyn moved back to Elk Horn in 2008. Burt enjoyed checking in with Kevin Nelson, the editor of the Danish Village Voice in Elk Horn. He also enjoyed genealogy, reading and philosophical study. Burt died suddenly and unexpectedly March 1, 2012, after entering Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa for observation the day before. He was 77 years, 2 months and 17 days of age. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers Robert Wittrup, Norman Wittrup and his twin Bruce Wittrup. Burt is survived by his wife Carolyn Wittrup of Elk Horn; children: Sarah Margaret Franklin; Dr. K. Dane Wittrup (Jean Rhodes Wittrup) of Boston, MA; Ann Marie Chacon of Albuquerque, NM; step-children Dr.Eric Wolterstorff, of Washington, D.C.; Sarah Lynn Shearin (Tim) of El Paso,TX; Susan Wolterstorff of Albuquerque, NM; and Capt. Cameron Wolterstorff, M.D. of Ft. Lewis, WA; grandchildren Audrey, Ian and Thomas Wittrup; Amanda, Noah and Ivy Chacon; Tess Wolterstorff; Hannah and George Shearin; Wren and Lyle Viers; Nikolai, Katrina and Xander Wolterstorff; and brother Lyle Wittrup (Betty) of Atlantic.

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