Anna L. Witte

Anna Witte, 94, formerly of Fort Wayne died June 30, 2023 in Tampa, FL. She was born on December 20, 1928 in Fort Wayne, IN. She was the second daughter of Anna and Herman Heinrich. Tragically Anna’s mother died after childbirth, and Anna was named in memory of her mother. Anna’s father did his best as a single parent to care for Anna and her older sister during the Depression years. For most of her early life, Anna lived with her maternal grandparents until she started grade school, when she went to live with her mother’s sister Margaret and her husband Emil Springer. Anna was blessed to have a loving aunt and uncle who welcomed her into their home with their three children and continued to raise her in the Christian faith. Anna attended St. Mark’s Lutheran School and was confirmed on March 29, 1942. She remained faithful to her Lutheran heritage throughout her life. Anna was active in 4-H during the 1940’s, and a junior leader president in 1946 and 1947. She was an accomplished seamstress and was selected to exhibit her work at the 1946 Indiana State Fair, winning a blue ribbon. Anna graduated from Ossian High School, class of 1947. Shortly thereafter, Anna began her working career at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company in Fort Wayne, IN. Anna first caught Don’s attention when he saw her at a play. They met at a friend’s wedding shortly thereafter in November of 1947. That encounter sealed the deal. After a two and ½ year courtship, Don and Anna were married on June 24, 1950 and were blessed to enjoy 65 years together. Anna decided to stay at home after their first child was born and be a homemaker. She was a good one! After her children were raised, Anna volunteered at the Allen County Children’s Home and thereafter at Lutheran Life Villages for many years. She was a lifelong member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church and was active in their Ladies Aid. Anna and Don enjoyed traveling during their retirement years with fellow members of St. Paul’s. Anna also enjoyed gardening, growing flowers, baking cookies, and visits with her grandkids. After Don died Anna moved to Florida to be closer to her daughter and lived in an assisted living facility for 6 ½ years until being called home by her Lord and Savior.

Survivors are a daughter, Diana Otterness, Lutz, FL; son, Steven (Gail King) Witte Noblesville, IN; four grandchildren, David (Jenn) Otterness Bradenton, FL, Steven (Meghan) Otterness Tampa, FL, Jared (Kristen) Witte Houston, TX, and Jenna (Wesley) Witte Smith Noblesville, IN; and seven great-grandchildren. Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J. Witte; parents; and sister, Dolores.

Funeral Service is 11:30 am on Monday July 24, 2023 at Klaehn, Fall & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am. Burial to follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN or a charity of their choice.