Walter E. Witt, age 93, of Lincoln, formerly of Hastings, died December 3, 2014. He was born December 2, 1921 in Hastings to Carl F. “Fred” and Frances C. (Harlow) Witt. Walter graduated from Hastings High School, Hastings College and the University of Nebraska Lincoln. As a young man Walter earned his Eagle Scout Award through the Boy Scouts of America. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the 40th Combat Engineers Regiment. Walter was employed as a civil engineer with the Nebraska Department of Roads for more than 50 years. He was honored as a lifetime elder with Capitol City Christian Church. Walter also served as past secretary of the Capital City Kiwanis and past Chaplin and Commander of the 40th combat engineer reunions.
Survivors include his wife Geraldine “Gerry” Witt of Lincoln; Daughters, Kristin Witt of St. Louis, Missouri; Julie (David) Kohrell of Lincoln. Grandchildren, Rachael, Joshua and Annaliese Kohrell. Step children, Ben Jr. (Cheryl) Shaw of Richmond, Virginia; Derald Shaw of Parker, Colorado and Diane (Ken) Gleaves of Willmar, Minnesota. 11 Step grandchildren; 3 Step great grandchildren. Preceded in death by Parents, 10 siblings, his first wife, Marilyn, and step son, Dennis Shaw.
Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Capitol City Christian Church, 7800 Holdrege St. Lincoln.
Visitation will be at Wyuka Funeral Home on Monday, December 8, 2014 from 5:00-8:00 P.M.
Interment with military honors will be at 2:30 P.M. on Tuesday, December 9th at Wyuka Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at the Vine St. entrance prior to 2:30 P.M.
Memorials may be left for Capitol City Christian Church, Capital City Kiwanis, Hastings College or Boy Scouts of America.
Walter was a wonderful, Christian man and was an example to all of us in what it meant to live for Christ. My family was blessed to have him in our lives as step-father and grandpa. We will miss his words of wisdom and the chuckles he would bring with his fun sense of humor, as well as the amazing stories about his life. Thank you, Kristin and Julie, for sharing your dad with us.
Walter was my uncle. He lived a wonderful, exemplary life, and he was so kind and helpful to so many people. I don’t know if a sense of humor came along with being a Witt, but that made him even more fun to be around. The one thing my mother requested, that I remember the most, is that Walter should sing at her funeral or memorial service. He did indeed, and his wonderful voice was a treat for everyone. Walter was a Christian man, and he lived his faith every day. He also walked back and forth to work every single day he worked. 5 Miles in all. What a guy!! I don’t remember how much that was in miles for 50 years, but I don’t know of any one else who came close. Good bye dear sweet uncle. I am sure you are united with all your family and friends who have gone before you!!
Your father was a very dear man. I pray for the Lord to embrace all of you during this time.
Walter was the last living sibling from a family of ten children, my mother’s youngest brother. He was loved by all of us, and was such an excellent role model of modesty, humility, and all other Christian virtues. He will be greatly missed by nieces and nephews whose lives he so positively influenced.
My condolences to Walts family. My father Laddie Branzovsky was a member of the 40th combat engeneers. I remember Walt from many different reunions in various cities over the years. Let us remember all our departed WWII vets on this anniversary of Sunday December 7,1941.Thank God for their defense of freedom.May God grant them eternal rest. Doug Branzovsky, Pine City, Mn
Walter rest in peace my friend.
We were honored to take Mr. Witt on the Heartland Honor Flight. Evonne and I are very sorry for your loss.
Julie and Kristin, your father was a truly wonderful man. He sang at our wedding, and your mother played the organ. He sent us an anniversary card for many years. He will be missed. He was a real Christian in all that he did. Enjoy your memories.
I just learned of his passing. What a loss for us. I was the nurse at Nebraska Dept. of Roads and I really enjoyed getting to know him. He was fun to be around. Had such a positive attitude. Just a joy to know. What a wonderful man!! Those of you related to him have to be proud. And those not related, he made you feel like you were part of his family.
I am proud to say I was his friend.
I just learned of his passing. What a loss for us. I was the nurse at Nebraska Dept. of Roads. He was so fun to be around and always so positive. Always smiling. I just adored him.
I am happy to say he was my friend.
We will miss you, Walt.