Ronald A. Wittrock, 71, of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 15, 2012, in Nevada where he had resided the last nine years.

 He was born Aug. 27, 1940, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

He served as a ballistic missile defense engineer in the U.S. Air Force, and was a communications engineer prior to early retirement. He moved to Nevada in 2003.

Ron became an extremely successful bowler, participating in three bowling leagues locally in Las Vegas. Ron won the Montana Senior Bowling Championship in 2001, the Nevada Senior Bowling Championship in 2010, and competed in the Senior Nationals in Reno, Nev., in 2001 and 2010. He served as a director for the Southern Nevada USBCA.

Ron was very active up until the time of his passing. He was a member of the American Legion, the Eagles, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Ron served as president of a Good Sam RV Club he participated in with his wife, Carolyn. Ron and his wife, Carolyn, have enjoyed a long life together enjoying travel in their motor home, summer vacations at their home in Kalispell, and the beauty of nature's animals and plants.

He lived life to the fullest, and his spirit and love of life will be truly missed by all whose life he touched in his own special way.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Elinor Wittrock; his brother, Leroy; and sister, Betty.

Ron is survived by his loving wife and companion of 44 years, Carolyn O’Mara Wittrock.

Services were held Jan. 23 at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nev.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, in the Community Room at Lone Pine State Park Visitor Center (road off of Foy's Lake Road) in Kalispell. Coffee and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.