Orland G. Witte

Obituary

Orland Gustav Clarence Witte was born June 24, 1934, in his childhood home to Gustav and llo (Bielke) Witte in Brownton, Minnesota. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Orland graduated from Brownton Public High School in 1953.

Orland served in the United States Air Force. He was proud of his service and was recognized for his work in Okinawa, Japan, as well as training of the Republic of Korea personnel in the maintenance and operation of F86-D aircraft. His commanding officer recognized his enthusiasm, technical proficiency, and high regard for our Korean friends, fostering mutual respect and understanding. In his free-time, Orland enjoyed building and racing motorcycles with other enlisted soldiers while deployed. His many collected trophies and patches demonstrate his skill and joy in this endeavor. Orland was discharged with honors and returned to Brownton to work alongside his father at Witte Implement.

He met his wife, Norma Koester in 1962 at an anniversary celebration. The two were married March 15th, 1964 at First Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children, Rhonda, Renae, and Brian. Orland and Norma resided in Brownton before moving to Hutchinson, Minnesota. They enjoyed 56 years of marriage.

Following several years’ operating Witte Implement, he worked as a maintenance and boiler operator for several community businesses including Matheny Oil, Glencoe Quality Feeds, ADM, MidAmerica Dairy, and, after retirement, he enjoyed driving corn and pea harvest trucks to fill his time.

Orland took great pride and was skilled with his hands. He loved rebuilding motorcycles, snowmobiles, tractors, vehicles of every type, and fixing most anything set before him. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent winters spearfishing, summers angling, and autumn deer hunting. Orland served on the City of Brownton Fire Department for over 20 years and was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church serving on the Board of Education, Cemetery Board, and Board of Trustees.

Orland loved to travel with his friends and spend time with his family. He adored his children and grandchildren spending countless hours with his wife attending choir or band concerts, theater performances, and sporting events. A quiet man with a willingness to lend a hand, he will be remembered for generosity with his time and his tools, and for his gentle and agreeable nature.

Orland’s patient spirit continued through his fight to recover from a stroke, winning over his caregivers during the short time he was at the Methodist Hospital Stroke Center. On Sunday, June 14th, 2020, at the age of 85, he quietly gave his last effort and passed away in the hands of his care team, who spoke of his courage and his kindness. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. We rejoice in the confidence that through Christ one day we will meet again in our heavenly home. Blessed be his memory.

Orland is survived by his:
Wife, Norma Witte of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Rhonda Else and her husband, Rob, of Mankato, MN,
                  Renae McKimm and her husband, Mike, of Hutchinson, MN,
                  Brian Witte and his wife, Jeri, of Glencoe, MN;
Grandchildren, Abby McKimm, Benjamin McKimm, Colin McKimm, Justin Else, Lauren Else, Andrew Else, Grace Witte, Claire Witte, and Kate (Zack) Kuphal;
Great Grandchildren, Kennedy and Everly Kuphal;
Sister-In-Law, Evon Drager of Glencoe, MN;
Many other relatives and friends

Orland is preceded in death by his Parents, Gustav and Ilo (Bielke) Witte; Step-mother, Myrtle Witte; Sister, Laverna Killgore; Brother, Roger Witte.