Gerald "Jerry" Witte

Gerald “Jerry” Witte, age 99, of Cambridge, NE, passed away at the Cambridge Memorial Hospital on August 30, 2023. He was born in Lawrence, NE on November 9, 1923, to Clement and Elisabeth (Ostdiek).  The family moved to Cambridge 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 St. John the Baptist Church, a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Pro-Life Representative, and Marriage Encounter member. He served his community over his life span on the Cambridge schoolboard, Cambridge Coop Board, NE Cattleman’s Association, and ECO Fallow Board.  As a teenager, Jerry’s family would go to Indianola 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.  Jerry’s life passion was farming and ranching. He lived his life on the farm, except for the last few months. His life was brightened everyday by grandkids and great-grandkids and a great-great grandkid.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean; daughter, Janet Davis; grandchildren, Bryan Miller, Shelly Ann Witte, Abby Witte, and Ryan Witte; siblings and spouses: Elvin (Charlotte) Witte, Gilbert (Ruth) Witte, Herb (Lucille) Witte, Wilber (Viola) Witte, 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; three sons, Steven (Connie) Witte of Cambridge, Roger (Nan) Witte of Cambridge, Mark (Deb) of Castle Rock, CO, and son-in-law, Larry Davis; 21 grandchildren; 50 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.

A rosary will be recited on Monday, September 4, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary.  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 of 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 has been entrusted with arrangements. 

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