James "Jim" Witte
October 27, 1944 - January 08, 2019
Obituary
EDGERTON/ NEW ENGLAND, ND/REGENT, ND-James L. “Jim” Witte, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, WI. He was born on Oct. 27, 1944, in Dickinson, ND, the son of William and Grace (O’Bleness) Witte. Jim graduated from Regent High School in North Dakota in 1962 and served in the National Guard. He married Dianne Fraase on Sept. 24, 1966, at St Vincent’s Catholic Church in Mott, ND. When Jim and Dianne first married, he worked as a beekeeper for many years, a love he’d had since childhood. They moved to Madison, WI in 1993. He accomplished much in his life and worked many different jobs throughout his career. Jim was talented in many trades including construction, truck driving, bridge building, and he also served as a volunteer firefighter. Jim held his pilot’s license, enjoyed building and flying radio controlled airplanes, and loved gardening. He was an engineer at heart and faithfully maintained the family vehicles, relying on his education at Hanson Mechanical School to keep them purring. Jim was a devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison. His faith in God was always very important to him. Jim had a big heart and was always ready to lend a hand to his friends and neighbors. Jim is survived by his wife, Dianne; sons, Darren and Shawn Witte; brothers, Louis, Richard and Gary Witte; mother-in-law, Ethel Fraase; many other relatives and friends; and his beloved feline companion, Flash. He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, David Witte; father-in-law, Victor Fraase; and brothers-in-law, Curt and Duane Fraase. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, with the Rev. Mark F. Bartels presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. An additional memorial service will be held in North Dakota at a later date. Memorials may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Zion Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sat Jan 12, 2019 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Memorial Service
Sat Jan 12, 2019 @ 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of James have been shared yet.
Memories
AH
Annette Haugen
Other •
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim. We always enjoyed being around him, he could be larger than life. Remembering all the good times. Dale and Annette Haugen
BB
Brent Bautz
Other •
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was a genuine individual with a great sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness.
The Bautz's
Brent, Rebecca, Bradyn, Gabby, and Maddison
CF
Collette Fraase-Simon
Other •
Words can not express how saddened we are at the loss of Jim. May the memories of Jim and the love of family and friends surround you and give you strength in the days ahead. Deepest sympathies Collette and Adrian
KN
Kenneth W. Newton
Other •
Diane & family: We are so sorry to hear that Jim passed away. We have known Jim since he worked for Woodworth Honey co. and got to know him & his family well. We also worked with him when he had his own honey compant east of New England. It was an honor & pleasure to Know him. We will love & miss him. Ken & barb Newton; Belfield; N.D.
DT
Danny Thiessen
Other •
Diane & family: Saddens me greatly to hear of the passing of Jim. Had worked with him in years past at Paulsen Construction and was truly in debited to him for all of his kindness and help in many ways. Will always remember and cherish the get togethers that we had as co-workers. He was truly one of a kind with a heart of Gold.
It's with my Great pleasure to say that I had known him. He will truly be missed.
Danny Thiessen
AK
Adam Krauter
Other •
So sorry to hear that Jim passed away. I grew up a couple miles west of Jim's family farm. I can still see Jim driving by our farm with his late 40's Plymouth, a honk of the horn, a wave and that big smile.
Adam Krauter, Blaine, MN