Philip Frederick Witte,

Witte, Philip F. “Phil” COTTAGE GROVE-Philip F. “Phil” Witte, age 79, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2014, at Heritage. He was born on May 1, 1934, the son of Fred H. and Clara B. Witte. Phil graduated from Madison East High School and UW Madison where he was a member of the UW Crew Team and the National W Club. Phil served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and was an active member of the Doric Lodge #356, Zor Shrine Chanters and the Elks Lodge #410. Phil enjoyed fishing in Hayward and living on his family farm in rural Cottage Grove. He was a lifetime season ticket holder with the UW Badgers Football and Basketball teams. Phil is survived by his brother, Robert (Kathy) Witte of Monona; a niece, Kara (Jack) Horiatis of Virginia; nephews, David (Cristina) Witte of Madison and Andy Witte of Chicago, Ill.; grand-nieces, Daniela, Gabriela and Olivia of Madison; and his former wife, Shirley Witte of Inverness, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral Services will be held at BRYN MAWR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 229 N Main St, Cottage Grove, at 1 p.m., on Saturday, April 5, 2014, with Pastor Matthew Ploeger presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2014, and at the church from Noon until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Zor Shrine, Elks Lodge or American Parkinson Disease Association-Wisconsin Chapter. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. “His wit and quiet unassuming way will be missed by all.” Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420