Otis “Odie,” “Sito,” R. DeWitt, 78, of Ontario passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving family Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in his home.
Odie was born at home in Ontario to Glenn and Doris (Bauman) DeWitt on Oct. 18, 1942. He was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Karen Schmitz, on Oct. 28, 1961, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in rural Cashton. He and Karen made their home in rural Ontario on a farm where they raised their five children. Odie farmed from 1960–1972, and then logged until 2007 when he retired. After retirement, he went into network marketing and hauling Amish. He would claim that he was a “jack of all trades — master of none.”
He was a man of God who loved and cared for people and accepted everyone as they were. He proudly beat two addictions, alcohol and smoking, and was instrumental in helping others by beginning AA in Ontario. His changed lifestyle helped him to be healthier and feel the best he ever did. He loved to help people, be with people, talk to people, and did we mention talk to people? He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone whom he met.
Odie was a legend in all aspects of his world. He pulled ponies for 50-plus years. He was a true horseman and loved working with them. But family was Odie’s everything! He loved each and every single family member with his whole heart. He taught his family to have a great attitude and that everything will always get better. He was gifted and talented in the “pulling your leg” department, and his laugh was contagious.
Odie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen; his children, Renee (Greg) Carpenter of Rockton, Wis., and Dale (Virginia), Kevin (Kim), Mike (special friend Stacey Burnstad), and O’Dean (special friend Amanda), all of Ontario; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Cody (Maria) DeWitt and their children, Jessica, John, Jayden, and Erica, Casey (Justin) Zuchowshi and their children, Ethan and Nadia, Kelsey (Joey) Jorgenson and their children, Riley, Alyssa, Teagan and Thayne, Zachary DeWitt and daughter Shelby (special friend Angel and daughter Aaliyah), Jarod DeWitt and children Ava, Mariah and Lilly, Jordan “Peach” (Christy) DeWitt and their children, Jordie, and Carter, Caleb (Nicole) DeWitt, Shaelee DeWitt, Taylor (Katelyn) Hedrick and their daughter, Rory, Ashley Geisecke and her children, Remington and Ryleigh, Dawson and his children, Brayton and Wilder, and Savannah DeWitt; his siblings, Melvin Don (Donna) DeWitt, Glenda DeWitt and Karen Raines; along with many loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.
Odie was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Doris; his brother, Dale DeWitt; his sister, Merilee Richardson; his nephew, Glenn Paul Richardson; and his niece, Kayla Raines.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church on St. Mary’s Ridge. Father Michael Klos will officiate. Burial will follow in the Billings Creek Cemetery in rural Ontario.
Family and friends are invited for visitation from 4–7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Ontario. Visitation will also be held Saturday from 9a.m. until the time of service at the church. Masks are required and will be available at the funeral home and church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church handicap fund or to Billings Creek Cemetery.
The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com. The funeral will be livestreamed on the Torkelson Funeral Home’s Facebook page beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday.
