Joan M. Witte

Obituary

Joan Marie Witte was born on July 14, 1935, in Ellendale, North Dakota. She was the daughter of Fred and Ella (Handke) Retzlaff. Joan was baptized as an infant at German Lutheran Church in Ellendale and later confirmed in her faith as a youth at Methodist Church in Ellendale. She received her education in Ellendale and was a graduate of the Ellendale High School class of 1953. Joan furthered her education at the University of North Dakota - Ellendale Campus, graduating in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.

On November 18, 1961, Joan Retzlaff was united in marriage to Harold Witte at Presbyterian Church in Weyauwega, Wisconsin. This marriage was blessed with three sons, Gene, Paul, and Neil. Harold and Joan made their home in Hector, Minnesota. They shared 61 years of marriage until Harold passed away on April 12, 2023.

Joan was a teacher in North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota. She retired in 1963 to raise her children. Joan was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Hector. She also served as President and Chairman of the Hector Christian Women’s Club. Joan was very proud to have been on the original board to build the Hector Swimming Pool in 1965.

Joan loved to swim and be active. She was a Certified Water Safety Instructor as well as a Senior Olympic Runner. She also loved flying and obtained her pilot’s license at Austin-Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin when in her early twenties. Joan also enjoyed spending time on her backyard swing, feeding and watching birds and traveling. Her winter months were spent in Palm Springs, CA, where she could swim and enjoy the beautiful mountains and desert of Southern California. She especially cherished time spent with her family, grandchildren and friends.

Joan passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025, in Cathedral City, California, at the age of 89 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Joan is survived by her:
Sons, Gene Witte of Waianae, HI,
Paul Witte and his wife, Dana of Frankfurt am Main, Germany,
Neil Witte and his wife, Angela of Tyler, MN;
Grandchildren, Madison and Caleb Witte; of Rochester, NY, and Marshall, MN;
Sister-in-law, Patty Retzlaff of Gilbertsville, PA;
Sister-in-law and Brother-in-Law, Eileen and John Raforth of Sturgis, SD;
and many nieces and nephews.

Joan is preceded in death by her Parents, Fred and Ella Retzlaff; Husband, Harold Witte; Sister, Arlene Johnson; Brothers, Fred Retzlaff, Palmer “Pete” Retzlaff; Sister-in-law, Lois Retzlaff; Brother-in-law, Darrel Johnson; Sister-in-law, Donna Piehl; Brother-in-Law, Warren Piehl.