Deloris Marjorie Witte

MOUNT HOREB - Deloris Marjorie Witte, of Mount Horeb, was born during one pandemic and passed on Jan. 4, 2021, during the next pandemic in her own home, quietly and peacefully as she had lived. She was 101 years, one month and 26 days. Deloris was born in the Mounds Creek area of Vermont Township to Ream and Mabel (Halston) Turk on Nov. 9, 1919. A year later the family moved to their farm on Highway 19 in rural Mazomanie. She attended first through eighth grades at the Halfway Prairie one room school. She enjoyed a visit there during her 100th year, showing great-grandchildren, Henry, Lyla and Eli, her school and finding her name in the enrollment book. She graduated from Mazomanie High School. She later took classes at MATC and worked in downtown Madison where she met the love of her life and future husband. She was married to Curtis G. Witte on March 22, 1941, in the Evangelical Lutheran Church parsonage by the Rev. E.R. Anderson. In less than a year the U.S. entered World War II and Curt was called to duty. The couple didn’t see each other for over three years. During those years Deloris lived with her parents and was employed by Badger Ordnance engaged in secretarial work. Following the war, they moved to Mount Horeb where Curt began work at Bakken Barber Shop, later purchasing it, becoming Witte Barber Shop. They purchased her current home on First Street in 1955. There they raised their four children, Gary, Daniel, Barbara and Mark. Curt dedicated himself to providing for the family and Deloris holding down the fort at home, wonderfully caring for their home and family.

Her family was the center of her life in heart, mind and time.

Curt and Deloris loved traveling and spent many enjoyable stays in Fort Myers Beach, developing a community of friends at the Sandpiper Resort. They traveled to Norway, visiting a family farm in the Valdres area. They also enjoyed touring Germany several times with Dan’s family, Florida vacations with Barb’s family, and up north vacations with Mark’s family.

She enjoyed cooking and especially baking, remembering her children’s and grandchildren’s favorite desserts and baking them for them when they would visit. She and Curt hosted countless family gatherings. She was dedicated to having lefse for holidays and spent days baking in preparation. She taught all the females (and some of the males) the finer art of lefse making learned from her mother. Krumkaka and Berlinerkransa cookies were a must for Christmas. Barb and granddaughter, Kristin, have lifelong memories of creating the time-consuming Berlinerkransa together with her while sharing stories of past times.

Each person has their individual memories, however all share the fun of playing in her great yard, climbing trees, playing games, chocolate chip hunts, tea parties, the best bar-none back scratches, and her loving and sweet caring ways. She and Curt provided a wonderful place to gather on Lake Wisconsin, purchasing the property from Deloris’ parents in 1985. Many days of swimming, boating and just having time as a family were spent there by five generations. All the grandchildren remember that you don’t splash and get Grandma’s hair-do wet! She enjoyed it all; whether playing in the lake or just watching from the deck in her later years.

As an empty nester she picked up her paint brush again and created many beautiful paintings that the family treasures.

She was a member of Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mount Horeb where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the W.E.L.C.A., and of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 113.

Deloris was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis, of nearly 65 years; son, Gary; parents, Ream and Mabel Turk; father and mother-in-law, Eli and Ella Witte; a brother, Donald (Ellen) Turk; a sister, Esther (Marvin) Niendorf; and a brother-in-law, LaVerne (Melba) Witte.

She is survived by her children, Daniel (Susan), Barbara (Mark) Johnson and Mark (Brenda); her daughter-in-law, Helen Witte; brother, Kenneth (Wilma) Turk; brother-in-law, Clifford (Beulah) Witte; and 12 grandchildren, Stephanie (Erin) Bingham, Daniel (Barbara) Johnson, Melissa (Colin) Cole, Kristin (Tyler) Pointon, Amanda (Dustin) Kovacs, Andy (Holly) Johnson, Katie Witte, Jennifer (Adam) Towns, Michael Witte, Amy Witte, Morgan (fiancé Daniel Taylor) Witte and Kayla Witte. She is further survived by great-grandchildren, Henry, Lyla, Eli, Raphael, Jacob, Lily, Eve, Amber, Sophie, Levi, Evie, Valerie, Weston, Davis, Lucy and one soon to be born and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was kind and gentle and showed her love and affection to family, friends and neighbors through her generous and quiet spirit. She loved us well and we will miss her dearly.

There was a private family service on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mount Horeb. Interment was at Mount Horeb Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make your memorials to Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mount Horeb and American Legion Auxiliary Post 113. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Camacho

Mount Horeb

Funeral & Cremation Care

500 N. Eighth St.

(608) 437-5077