January 2021 - 15

GREAT LAKES EXPO
grower Mike Wittenbach with its 2020
Distinguished Service Award
Wittenbach is owner and managing
member of Wittenbach Orchards LLC.
The foundation for Wittenbach
Orchards was built when Wittenbach's
great grandfather moved from
Switzerland to Michigan, married
and purchased the original farmstead
in 1899. His grandfather continued
to milk cows and grow grain crops,
but he also planted the first apple
trees. In 1962, Mike's dad, Ed, took
over the farm management. With his
wife, Linda, Ed sold the dairy herd,
switched more acreage to row crops
and focused on expanding the orchard.
As the fourth generation, Mike has
continued the orchard expansion and
advancement.
Wittenbach spent two years away from
Victoria, is studying special education
at Grand Valley State University.
Wittenbach has served as president
of the Michigan State Horticulture
Society and Michigan Pomesters and
as chairman of the Michigan State
Horticulture Trust Fund. Mike is a
member of Belding Fruit Storage and
Next Big Thing cooperatives and he
serves on the board of directors for
both organizations.
Wittenbach enjoys traveling
Mike Wittenbach makes a presentation in his orchard during an International Fruit Tree
Association tour. Photo: Gary Pullano
the farm to earn a technological degree
from Michigan State University (MSU)
and gain experience in Washington state
working for the late Doyle Fleming.
He married his high school
sweetheart, Marnie, in 1989, and
they have three children. The oldest,
Elizabeth, farms with her dad
and grandfather. Son, Tye, is also
embracing his agricultural roots as
he finishes his master's degree in
horticulture at MSU. The youngest,
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the world for horticulture related
activities through the International
Fruit Tree Association and beyond.
For leisure, he and Marnie also enjoy
traveling, hiking and skiing in places
such as Africa and New Zealand.
To view videos of the award
winners, visit www.glexpo.vfairs.com/
en/awards-page. FGN
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January 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2021
