Allen M. Witt, 85, of Viroqua and formerly of rural Ontario passed away Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at Creamery Creek Senior Living.
He was born May 17, 1939, to Otto F. and Elsie M. (Zinke) Witt on the family farm. Allen was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church. He attended school at the Little Red School House and later graduated from Ontario High School in 1957.
One evening at a local dance, Allen saw the love of his life and future “bride to be” twirling across the dance floor. On Aug. 11, 1973, Allen was united in marriage to Joyce M. Walker at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wilton. Together they dedicated their lives to raising their family while working side by side on their farm in the Township of Wellington. Allen farmed for the majority of his life, well into his 70s, and even though the work was hard and constant, he loved every aspect. Joyce and Allen retired from farming in 2012 and later that year moved to Cashton.
Allen was known for his meticulous equipment, spending hours with his brother Lyle tinkering on things that needed to be fixed, loving and caring for the farm animals, his silly and playful personality, a frugal sense of living and his love for his family. He instilled his work ethic into his children and always encouraged his grandchildren to seek out learning opportunities and higher education. He was proud of everything they had accomplished and was always their biggest fan. Dancing, playing card games, and playing checkers were a few of his favorite pastimes spent with family and friends. He had a sweet tooth and would often eat his dessert first. Norwegian rosettes became a specialty dessert he would make for family and passed on the skill to his grandchildren. As a faithful and devoted member of St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church, Allen not only enjoyed attending church and socializing with the fellow members, but also understood the importance of receiving Holy Communion.
He is survived by his three daughters, Tammy (Bruce) McKittrick, Jenny Witt, and Becky (Devin) Lenz; his grandchildren, David (Maya), Clarissa, Trevin (Grace), Katelyn (Harley), Madison, Jaxzen, River and Walker; his great-grandchildren, Otto and Braxton; his sisters-in-law, Joyce S. Witt, Dorothy Berg and Darlene Brueggeman; a brother-in-law, Harold Walker; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce; an infant grandson, Jayden James Freit; a brother, Lyle Witt; his brothers-in-law, Orbin Berg and Martin Brueggeman; and his best friend and cousin, Vernie Kirchoff.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church (South Ridge), 25525 County Hwy. P, Ontario, Wis. Pastor Zachary Meier will officiate. Burial will be in the South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson/Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Memorials in Allen’s memory can be given to St. Matthew Ev. Lutheran Church and South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery.
