David Richard Witte

Dave Witte of Surprise Arizona, formally of Marshfield, WI and Janesville, WI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife and daughters on Friday July 28th following an eight-year battle with lung cancer. David was born in Marshfield, WI to the late Richard Witte Jr and Bernadine (Knecht) Witte on February 2, 1950 and raised in Riplinger, WI. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in Colby, WI in 1969. He married the love of his life, Julianne (Nehrbass) on May 4, 1974 in Marshfield, WI and was an amazing father to his five children, Lisa, Cheri, Donna, Janet and David.
David had multiple successful careers. He started as a cheesemaker in Marshfield, WI. He then became an over-the-road truck driver, first for Packerland Packing Co. in Marshfield, then as a car hauler for JACTCO in Janesville, WI. He retired from driving truck and the Teamsters (579 out of Janesville) after 35 years. They relocated to Surprise AZ. In Surprise, David transported his most precious cargo while driving a school bus for Dysart Unified School District. He loved the conversations with the students and took great joy in the good-natured ribbing that he and his students shared during their daily trips between school and home.
David loved fishing, woodworking, dancing, bowling, and grilling with family and friends. In the fall he was all about Packers football and on many a Sunday afternoon was heard arguing with the referee’s calls through the television screen. He was always seen with a coffee cup in his hand and a smile on his face. David will be best remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, constant teasing, willingness to lend a helping hand, generous nature, and his ability to wiggle his ears. He had never met a stranger that did not leave as a friend.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Bernadine Witte, in-laws Peter and Dolly Nehrbass, four brothers-in-law, Jerry, Jimmy, Bobbie, and Richard, sister-in-law Janet, and beloved niece Heidi and nephew Jamie.
David is survived by his wife of 49 years, Julianne, his five children: Lisa (Tom) Engelberger, Cheri Lubahn, Donna (Bruce) Byron, Janet (Robert) Marten, and David (Mindy) Witte.
Seven grandchildren: Joshua Lubahn, Alisha (Ben) Deisinger, Cassie (Kyriin Richmond) Engelberger, Austin (Emily) Marten, David Marten, Emma Witte, and Cayden Witte.
Two great-grandchildren: Zander Larsen and Aiden Larsen-Lubahn.
His sister, Paulette Schmitt, her daughter Dana (Doug Fisher) Schmitt-Fisher, and grandson Craig Schmitt.
David will be missed by his extensive extended family and numerous close friends over the years (who became family), each of which held a unique special place in his heart. The family would like to send its deepest appreciation to Hospice of The Valley for the benevolent care they gave David at the end of his life.
David, it was a blessing to have known you. We love you. We will continue to carry with us the lessons learned from you. Thank you for bringing so much joy and laughter into our lives.
There will be a “Celebration of Life” in Suprise, AZ on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. A second celebration in Wisconsin will be held, date to be determined. Please contact the family for details and directions.