Service Information
Harold I. Witte, husband of Joan, age 89, of Hector, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Olivia Hospital in Olivia, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hector, Minnesota, with interment in Hector City Cemetery in Hector.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Military Honors by Carl O. Potter American Legion Post 135 of Hector.
Service will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/1.Lutheran.Hector
Obituary
Harold Irvin Witte was born on February 26, 1934, in Hector, Minnesota. He was the son of Herbert and Hulda (Radloff) Witte. Harold was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth both at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector. He received his education in Hector, and was a graduate of the Hector High School Class of 1952. Harold furthered his education at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Harold entered active military service in the United States Army on March 27, 1957, at Fort Lewis. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 21, 1958, and achieved the rank of Private First Class.
On November 18, 1961, Harold was united in marriage to Joan Retzlaff 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. They shared 61 years of marriage.
After serving in the army, Harold moved back home to Hector and helped is Dad with the car business. Later on, he owned and operated his own Ford dealership in Hector, “Witte Ford” for 56 years. Over this time, Harold sold over 13,000 cars and also sold a car to every state in the US. He retired in 2010. Harold was a member of New Life Community Church in Hector. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 135.
From a young age Harold enjoyed all sports; baseball, softball, golf, football, basketball, and many more. He loved playing them, watching them, and even officiating for some of them over the years. He was also an avid baseball card collector. Harold earned 18 letters in High School Sports that included football, basketball, baseball, and track, dating back to 1947, when he was 12 years old. This number is still the school record. Harold is also in the Hall of Fame at Oakdale Golf Club for being a charter member and for his continuous membership and dedicated support to the course, since its inception. Harold also spent a lot of his time at their cabin on Diamond Lake fishing, going for boat rides, and just taking in the scenery. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. Harold knew and met so many people over his lifetime, and he was always a friend to all. He will be deeply missed.
Harold passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Olivia Hospital in Oliva, Minnesota, at the age of 89 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Harold is survived by his:
Wife, Joan Witte, of Hector, MN;
Sons, Gene Witte of HI,
Paul Witte and his wife, Dana of Pretoria, South Africa,
Neil Witte and his wife, Angela of Tyler, MN;
Grandchildren, Madison and Caleb Witte;
Sister, Eileen Raforth and her husband, John of Sturgis, SD;
Many other relatives and friends.
Harold is preceded in death by his Parents, Herbert and Hulda Witte; Sister, Donna Piehl and her husband, Warren.
Kim says
So sorry to hear this! Harold was a life long family friend that my parents had so much fun with over the years! Even our boys have fond memories of Witte Ford and lunch with Harold! But I know dad and Harold are playing golf with Jesus! Our prayers go out to Joan and the boys!!
Love you,
Tom and Kim Rasmussen
Eugene A Barry says
Got my first non-junker car from him. A great asset to the city.
Sharon Fank Midtling says
My sympathies to Joan, and the family. Harold and the entire family was a big part of my life growing up. We lived on the same block and all played together. He always welcomed us kids at the Ford garage. Fond memories forever in my heart.
Charlene (Johnson) Kandt says
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Harold. He was a great guy and will be missed. He always had a smile on his face, a kind word or a great story to tell. He was a leader in the community and loved by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cherish the memories.
Karen Neuman says
Deepest sympathies to Joan and family. Bought my first car, of many, from Harold and enjoyed each and every “cookie jar” story throughout the years. He always had a kind word and a story. Will miss him.
Ernestine E Scheerhorn says
To Joan, Neil, Gene and Paul, we are so sorry for the passing of Harold. Even though we only knew him for a few years, we certainly enjoyed his visits to California. I am certain he will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Dale and Ernestine
Mike Wlasiuk says
Deepest sympathys to the family ,will miss him too.
Patti (Kirtz) Heitkamp says
Thinking of the Witte family and sending my deepest condolences for the loss of such a great person. May you find strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Wes, Kitsie, Kalleigh, Abigail, and Ramsey Carr says
Harold was a true gem. A one of a kind human who loved conversation and people. His friendly soul and good natured bantering made my day on many occasions! He was true RTR Knight at heart and my family and I loved chatting with him at the ball games.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Witte family.
Lori Boyum, Hanson, Engebretson says
My deepest sympathies to the Witte family. Harold has been a family friend from my youth on. I enjoyed spending all 12 years of school with Gene. Harold was always at every game. Paul was in my sister’s grade and Neil my brother’s, so there was plenty of opportunity for Harold to be part of our lives, not to mention all the cars we purchased over the years. Blessing for his family and blessed be his memory.
Lara (Ginsburg) Durben says
My prayers and condolences to the entire family. I just saw Harold a couple of summers ago out at Oakdale Golf Club and our little chat brought a smile to my face.
Naomi (Christensen) Staruch says
Sending you all sympathy, hoping that sweet memories of Harold will bring you some peace. So grateful for all the times I was able to sit and talk with Harold over the years. Grateful beyond words for the hug just a short time ago when we gave his sister, Donna, her send off to heavenly spheres. Rest in peace, dear one.
Carol Retzlaff says
Sending the entire Witte family (Jo, Paul, Neil, Gene) sympathy, love and prayers at this time of loss! Please know you are in our thoughts! Love, Patty Retzlaff and family
Ruby/Ralph says
So sorry we weren’t able to attend the service for Harold. He was such a good friend to Ralph even tho he was from Buffalo Lake and a rival. They did play townball together for Hector and no one wanted to miss those games. I enjoyed being a classmate for twelve years and with only 42 in class we were all good friends. Our sympathy to your family as he will be missed.
LEON GREENSLIT says
RALPH HAD SOME DEALS WITH HAROLD SOUNDS LIKE U ARE GOOD SAW THE KW THING INTERSTING. AM MOVVED BACK TO MORTON AS WE STILL HAVE SOME LAND THERE. USED SEE YOUR OLD FRIEND ILLA BASEL AT THE MOUND BOWLING ALLEY