Rufus Fred Witte

Obituary

Rufus Friedrich Witte was born on February 14, 1925, in Round Grove Township, McLeod County, Minnesota. He was the son of Emil and Ida (Machenthun) Witte. Rufus was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth in 1939, both at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fernando, Minnesota. He received his education at District #37 Country School. 

On May 7, 1944, Rufus was united in marriage to Sylvia Genz at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Fernando. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Round Grove Township and retired in 1980. After retirement, they wintered in Mesa, Arizona. This union was blessed with one son, Warren. Rufus and Sylvia shared 52 years of marriage, until Sylvia passed away on February 4, 1997.

On November 4, 1998, Rufus and Annie Hacker were married at Victory Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona. After their marriage, the couple resided in Hutchinson and spent their winters together in Mesa.  Rufus and Annie shared 18 years of marriage.

Rufus was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Rufus enjoyed farming, golfing, fishing, traveling, playing cards, listening to old time music and the Wendinger Band. He cherished the time he spent with his family and friends.

When he needed assistance with his daily care, Rufus became a resident of the Buffalo Lake Health Care Center and recently became a resident of the Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.

Blessed be his memory.

Rufus is survived by his:
Wife, Annie Witte of Hutchinson, MN;
Son, Warren Witte and his wife, Jan of Bradenton, FL;
Stepchildren,    Marie King of Webster, WI,
                             Betty Bach and her husband, Ralph of Hutchinson, MN,
                             Barbara Hacker of Apple Valley, MN,
                             Fred Hacker and his wife, Kathy of Cosmos, MN,
                             Virginia Flemming and her husband, Gayle of Grove City, MN,
                             David Hacker of Cosmos, MN,
                             Edward Hacker of Cosmos, MN,
                             Joseph Hacker and his wife, Kimberly of Cosmos, MN;
22 Step Grandchildren;
31 Step Great-Grandchildren;
Sister, Mabel Krueger of Gaylord, MN;
Sisters-In-Law, Mary French and her husband, Bill, of Lake Lillian, MN,
                              Rose Kiecker of Cosmos, MN,
                              JoAnn Schultz of Balaton, MN;
Brother-In-Law, Jerry Plzak of Otsego, MN;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Rufus was preceded in death by his Parents, Emil and Ida Witte; First Wife, Sylvia Witte; Brother in infancy; and Step Son-In-Law, Ronnie King; Brothers-In-Law, Vernon Klukas and Werner Krueger; Niece, Mavis Ruschmeyer; Sister-In-Law, Delores Plzak; Brothers-In-Law, Ted Plzak, James Plzak, John Plzak, Albert Plzak and Adolph Plzak.