Date of Birth:
Sunday, September 4, 1938
Date of Death:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Age:
72 years old

Earl W. Witt

Earl “Doc” William Witt, age 72, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2011 at his home surrounded by family and friends.  After a near two-year battle with cancer, Earl has taken his fishing journey to “higher limits”.

Earl was born on September 4, 1938 in Rochester where he resided throughout his entire life.  After graduating from Rochester High School, he went on to finish four years (1957-1960) in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Rochester as a boiler operator.  Following the U.S. Navy, he married Bonnie Lee Kimball on October 14, 1961.  Together they had four children.  Earl worked for Rochester Public Utilities as a boiler operator/shift foreman for twenty-eight years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louella and Earl Witt, Sr., and his loving wife Bonnie, who passed away in 2007.  They were married for 46 years.  Survivors include his four children and grandchildren: Lori (Marc) Couvillion, Madison (15) and Kamryn (11) of American Canyon, CA; Connie Witt, Nicole (26) and Lisa (24) of Rochester; Rick (Mary) Witt, Tim (22) and Kieran (8) of Rochester; Leanne (Joachim) Schugel, Sawyer (10), Bishop (8), Keyan (6) and Maielle (4) of Victoria, MN.  He is also survived by a very special friend, Judy Wondrow of Rochester.

Throughout his life, Earl was an avid sportsman.  He had a particular interest in fishing.  Many years ago he inherited the proud nickname, “the Fish Doctor”!  He was a charter member of the Hiawatha Chapter of Trout Unlimited, a 35-year member of the Fishing Hall of Fame.  Earl also ran a guide service for fishing in Southeast MN in trout streams and also lakes all over Minnesota.  He fished in the Cabela’s Pro Walleye Circuit in 1992-1993.  He placed 7^th overall in 1992.  Grandpa Earl loved teaching and fishing with his grandchildren more than life itself.  He also enjoyed all types of outdoor activities including camping and hunting.  Earl was an avid duck and goose hunter and a member of Ducks Unlimited.  He enjoyed many years of deer hunting with his son, Rick.

His most proud and newest passion was his love for classic automobiles.  He cherished his 1940 Ford hot rod truck in which he won many awards for.

Earl had a zest for life, displayed by his unique sense of humor and simple way of living.  Earl was a wonderful father, grandpa, companion, true friend and compassionate man.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 10 from 3:00-6:00PM at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held Monday, April 11 at 11:00AM at Bethel Lutheran Church, 801 3^rd Avenue SE.  There will also be a viewing one hour prior to the service on Monday.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery immediately following the memorial service.  Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 92.

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.