"I am writing several years belatedly, after recently finding Pastor Witte?s obituary and this tribute page, to mention some memories and express my appreciation of him. My family belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead during my first ten years, and I grew up without really knowing either of my grandfathers. My mom remembers that one night while praying as a young boy, I asked God for a grandfather, and soon after, Pastor Witte was talking to me at church when someone asked who I was, and he replied lightheartedly, ?This is my grandson.? I later told my mom something like, ?I knew that God would answer my prayer, but I didn?t expect him to do it so quickly,? and I began to look up to Pastor Witte as a sort of ?adopted grandfather." I have always felt grateful for his kindness and spiritual influence, and am now also honored to discover that I have followed in his footsteps more closely than I knew, as his obituary says that, ?After retirement, he continued to serve as a Protestant Chaplain at [Catholic] Riverview Place in Fargo, ND,? and I currently serve as a Protestant chaplain at [Catholic] Saint Therese of New Hope, MN!"
In loving memory of
Rev. Marvin L. Witte
September 5, 1920 - July 29, 2014
ROCHESTER -Rev. Marvin L. Witte, 93, died on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.
Marvin was born in Holmen, WI on September 5, 1920 to Gustav and Nellie (Staff) Witte. Marvin married Ardis Nelson on November 26, 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in NE Minneapolis.He became an ordained Lutheran Minister on September 30, 1945.Marvin served as a pastor from 1945-50 in Chatfield, MN, 1950-57 in Adams, MN, 1957-69 in Callender, IA, 1969-77 in Detroit Lakes, MN, 1977-96 in Moorhead, MN.After retirement, he continued to serve as a Protestant Chaplain at Riverview Place in Fargo, ND.Marvin and Ardis have lived the past 14 years at Shorewood Place in Rochester where he took an active role in the social life of the community.He enjoyed listening to his wife Ardis play the piano, gardening, writing, classical music, cooking, and reading.Marvin especially enjoyed spending time with his family and serving families through his ministry.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ardis; four children, John (Karen) Witte, of Whitehall, WI, James (Sandi) Witte, of Callender, IA,Kristy (Robert) Giere, of Rochester, and Kathy (Scott) Duffus, of Owatonna, MN; seven grandchildren, Rachel (Tim) Ritland, of Stanhope, IA, Jacob (Ashley) Witte, of Ames, IA, Erikka Giere, of Rochester, Alysson (Joel) Pehoski, of Minneapolis, Ben Duffus, of Potsdam, Germany, Linnea Duffus, of Owatonna, MN, and Kaia Duffus, of Chengdu, China; one great grandson, Charles James Witte, of Ames, IA; two siblings, Ruth Wojcik, of Wilmington, NC, Eunice Van Loon, of Biloxi, MS; and many nieces and nephews.
Marvin is preceded in death by his parents; grandchild, Andrea Witte; and three siblings, Kenneth Witte, Harrison Witte, Sherman Witte.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 8, 2014 at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 3rd Ave. SW, with Rev. Vern Christopherson officiating.Visitation will be an hour prior to the service at church.
Memorials can be directed to Zumbro Lutheran Music Dept. or ELCA Global Missions.
Tributes
"Our deepest sympathies to the Witte family. I was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. Pastor Witte will be missed."
"I just heard today that Pastor Witte passed away last Tuesday. So sorry to hear this. He was a great man! He keep all us kids in Sunday school and confirmation in check and on the right path, and did an exceptional job of it! Thoughts and prayers to his wife and family! Rest In Peace Pastor Witte!!!"
"Dear Ardis and Family, My prayers are with you as you say farewell to your loved one...a great man, filled with compassion and love for all of humanity. I shall always remember Pastor witte as a great friend and pastoral minister as we ministered together at Riverview Place in Fargo. His deep love and care for those who were in pain of some kind or other taught me that healing takes place when we can share our smiles and our concern for them. May he now enjoy the Presence of the God he loved without cost.And may you have peace knowing that he is at peace."
"We were saddened to learn of Marvin's passing, as we always enjoyed visiting with him and Ardis on Sundays. Our sincere condolences to the whole family and may wonderful memories of him sustain you in the coming days and weeks."
"It was so good to talk to Pastor Witte and you, Ardis, about a year ago. You both have a very special place in our hearts. Thank you for what you taught us about relationships with others and the gift of friendship. May you find peace with God in the coming days."
"Dear Ardis and family, My sincere sympathy to you and the family at the passing of your husband. I followed Sister Gertrude, teaching piano in Detroit Lakes. She used to talk of the two girls taking lessons when you were there. After I left Detroit Lakes I came to Crookston and I still do some teaching here. I am sure you will miss Marvin after being married many years. May God broing you much comfort and Peace. Sincerely, Sister Dominica Gerszewski"
"Kristy, Bob, Mrs Witte and all of Rev Witte's family, May God be with you all. May you be able to celebrate his arrival in heaven with joy. It is so hard to loose one you love so much. We have faith, and I pray that God will help you through this time. I will keep your family in my prayers."
"My deepest sympathy to all of you. Uncle Marvin was truly a blessing to so many people. He will be missed. May God continue to hold all of you in loving arms and give you peace. Love, Ruth"