IN MEMORIAM
Erich Pitz Remembered
Wisconsin Member Known for Old-School Business Approach
Erich W. Pitz, president of McMullen & Pitz Construction
Co. in Manitowoc, Wisc., passed away on Oct. 14, 2020
at the age of 67, seven months after receiving a diagnosis
of brain cancer. He is sadly missed at his company for his big
heart, the respect he showed employees, his loyalty and the fun
he brought to the workplace, says Ted Jennejohn, who has taken
over the position of vice president, expecting to bridge the gap
until one of Pitz’s children is ready to assume the role sometime
in the future.
Pitz joined the family company, which provides marine and
heavy construction services throughout Wisconsin and Upper
Michigan, as a laborer in the union in 1974, when he was 21, having
gained experience at the firm during his high school summer
holidays. As a third-generation employee, he became VP in 1987,
and president in 1997 when his father, Willott (“Bubby”), died at
the age of 80.
An old-fashioned businessman, Pitz preferred handshake
agreements over contracts, phone calls over emails. His reputation
By Kim Biggar
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