March 18, 1943 – February 14, 2021
UNION GROVE, WI – After nearly two years of separation due to medical issues and Covid-19 restrictions, Peter John Witt and Barbara Lou (née Heineck) Witt celebrated their 55th anniversary together at Oak Ridge Care Center in Union Grove on January 12, 2021. On February 14, 2021, Barb was with Pete as he peacefully passed away at the age of 77, following a series of strokes.
Pete was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, on March 18, 1943, the fourth child of the late Edward and Irma (Goldberg) Witt. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1961 and worked for Mead Paper to pay for his education at UW-Stevens Point, earning a BA in economics. Pete and Barb were introduced by her brother. They officially married in Caledonia, MN, on January 12, 1966, with a church service on January 21 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids.
His jobs working in Personnel for numerous corporations and Wisconsin counties led the couple to move around the state as they raised their sons Peter Jr. and Andrew. Life was filled with sports, backyard cookouts and frequent weekend visits with family in Sparta and Wisconsin Rapids.
While living in Port Washington, Pete was an alderman. Various relatives and friends stayed with the family while working summer jobs or on vacation. Their house was the center of the action. Put Pete on grill duty and he would gladly oblige, often telling all kinds of stories and jokes. He could find humor or a bright spot in even the toughest situations. Ask him to make one of his huge lasagnas and he was happy, despite the mountain of dirty dishes.
His dedication to and concern for family was as large as his 3XLT shirt size, especially towards his wife, Barb. Pete and Barb tried a semi-retirement in Florida but returned to Wisconsin and family after a stroke left him paralyzed on one side. Despite the difficulties, Pete remained able to care for himself and their apartment for 11 years. He enjoyed witnessing grandchildren graduating and playing football games. Weekly shopping trips allowed him to get out, often finishing up with the purchase of a lottery ticket and a good burger.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, sisters MaryAnn and Elaine, brother James, grandson Samuel, brothers-in-law David Heineck and Stephen Heineck, sister-in-law Kathryn Scafe, and niece Allison Theriault.
His memory lives on in his wife, Barb; brother Donald (Jeanette) of Portage; son Peter Jr (Michelle) of Union Grove, grandsons Joshua and Simon; son Andrew of Green Bay , grandchildren Zachary (Aspen), Grace, and Eden, and great-granddaughter Athena; nieces and nephews; and friends.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caregivers who have made a difference at: Oak Ridge Care Center, Optum Health, and Seasons Hospice.
Per Pete’s request, no services will be held. Private burial will be at a future date.
Polnasek Daniels Funeral Home
