Gerald "Jerry" Witte, age 99, of Cambridge, Nebraska passed away at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital on August 30, 2023. He was born in Lawrence, Nebraska on November 9, 1923 to Clement and Elisabeth (Ostdiek). The family moved to Cambridge, Nebraska when Jerry was seven years old.
Jerry was united in marriage to Jean Ohlson on August 31, 1949. She preceded him in death on August 8, 2021. Jerry was a life member of the St. John the Baptist Church, a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life Representative, and Marriage Encounter. He served his community over his life span on schoolboard, Cambridge Co-Op Board, NE Cattleman's Association, and ECO Fallow Board. As a teenager, Jerry's family would to to Indianola, Nebraska and get prisoners of war to help on the farm. Jerry and Jean loved to travel, taking many Jerry Petersen bus trips, along with trips all over the United States.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jean; daughter, Janet Davis; grandchildren, Bryan Miller, Shelly Ann Witte, Abby Witte, and Ryan Witte; siblings and their spouses, Elvin (Charlotte) Witte, Gilbert (Ruth) Witte, Herb (Lucille) Witte, Wilber (Viola), Arthur (Agnes) Witte, Edwin Witte, Irene (Francis) Kubik, Vera (Bob) Laughlin, and Pat (Gene) Young.
Jerry is survived by three daughters, Barbara (Duane) Phillips, Brenda (Mark) Miller, and Sharon (Kelly) Evans, all of Cambridge, NE; three sons, Steven (Connie) Witte of Cambridge, NE, Roger (Nan) Witte of Cambridge, NE, and Mark (Deb) of Castle Rock, CO; son-in-law Larry Davis; 21 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
A Rosary will be recited on Monday, September 4, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Ken Wehrs celebrating. Interment will be in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Cambridge.
Visitation will be held on Monday, September 4, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until after the Rosary. Friends may leave online condolences at lockenour.com.
in lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorials be left in Jerry's name to Pro Life.
Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge, NE has been entrusted with arrangements.