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- David R. De Witt, 64, Little Chute, an awesome man of fierce integrity, love, loyalty and compassion, died unexpectedly Saturday night, September 10, 2011 surrounded by family, neighbors and friends, after a year long courageous battle with Esophageal Cancer. Dave was born on April 13, 1947, in Kaukauna, son of Wilbert and Bernice (Klitzke) De Witt. During the 1950s outbreak of polio, Dave came down with one of the worst cases in Wisconsin and spent months being treated in an iron lung. He graduated from Fox Valley Technical College with a degree in mechanics. His number one passion in life (beside Jan, Tricia and Kari) was cars. He was an avid NASCAR fan and regularly attended local races. He also loved the Green Bay Packers and trains. Dave married the love of his life Janice Lee Johnson on January 27, 1973. In the fall of 1972, just prior to their marriage, Dave surprised Jan by converting to Catholicism.
During their marriage they were blessed with two wonderful, beautiful daughters Tricia (Andy) Van Handel and Kari (fianc? Jeremy Olk) De Witt. During their 38 years of marriage Dave and Jan enjoyed going on numerous vacations. Their all time favorite vacation spot was Gulf Shores, AL, where they especially loved walking on the beach. Dave was employed for 34 years at Voith Paper until his early retirement in 2009. He was a member of St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Little Chute, and was an active member in the Knights of Columbus, volunteering as their recorder and organizing the Knight's yearbook; he also served on the Punt, Pass, and Kick Committee and St. John's Building & Grounds Committee. In addition to his wife Jan, and two daughters, Dave is also survived by three brothers: Richard (Carol) De Witt, Dan De Witt, and John (Janet) De Witt; two sisters: Shirley De Witt and Nancie (Bob) Sprangers; two aunts: Kate De Witt and Esther Ciske; sisters- and brothers-in-law: Joe (Leone) Kessler, Dennis (Nancy) Johnson, Natalee (Joe) West, Denise (Bruce) Siebers, Dar (Jake) Jacobs, David (Chris) Johnson, and Paul Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents; and his mother- and father-in-law: Milton and Evelyn "Honey" Johnson; and many aunts, uncles, and other family and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, September 14, 2011, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, 323 S. Pine St., Little Chute, with Fr. James Hablewitz officiating. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery, Little Chute. Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. at the church until the time of the mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dave's name.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vicki Hermsen (Dave's Angel) and all of their Grant Street neighbors, family and friends for all their support and love, in helping Dave, Jan, Tricia and Kari through this difficult year. No words can describe how grateful we are! In addition, the family would also like to thank all of the staff at Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology; especially, Jillian, Melissa, Nancy, Amy, Marlene and Dr. Guenther; Gold Cross Ambulance, and Fr. James Hablewitz for their love and compassion during this difficult time.
God saw he was getting so tired, and a cure was not to be……..
We LOVE you and miss you, until we meet again, LOVE - Jan, Tricia and Kari (Your Girls)!!!
Verkuilen Funeral Home
& Cremation Services Little Chute
920 788 3321
www.verkuilenfh.com
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on September 13, 2011
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1947 - 2011 (64 years)
