Eugene Edward Witte went home to the Lord on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at the Dells Nursing & Rehab Center, Dell Rapids, SD. Eugene was born to Henry and Rosalia (Eikmeier) Witte on May 3, 1923 in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. At age 15, Eugene and his family moved to a farm homesteaded by Herman Eikmeier, Rosalia's father, located southwest of Pipestone. He met Mildred Peterson, the love of his life, who lived on a neighboring farm, they were married in 1944. From 1946 to 1958, they farmed near Colman, SD and attended the Wellman Methodist Church. In 1958, they purchased the homesteaded Eikmeier farm southwest of Pipestone and lived there until Mildred's death in 2010. He joined the residents at Jasper Sunrise Assisted Living in 2010 and moved to the Dell Rapids Nursing Home in 2012, where he was currently residing. We are so grateful that both places provided Eugene with loving care and new friendships. Eugene and Mildred were married for 66 years and were parents to Jan and Steve. They enjoyed dancing, camping with grandchildren and friends, playing in the Trent Kitchen Band, riding their Goldwing motorcycle, playing cards and dice. He is lovingly remembered by all his grandchildren as "Grandpa Moo" because of the cows he had on the farm. The farm was a favorite place to visit because there was always a warm welcome, good food, coffee, fun and a place to stay. Eugene will be remembered as being the most kind and patient person, lots of fun and always ready to give the best hugs. Eugene valued his faith and his family and all his friends, many times saying, "I have the best family in the world".

Eugene is survived by his two children, Jan Chevrette, Steve (Janey) Witte, seven grandchildren: Gretchen (Paul) Becker, Brenda (Craig) Murphy, Thomas (Maria) Folden, Michelle (Tom) TenEyck, Michael (Tanya) Witte, Daniel (Megan) Witte and Kari (Matthew) Hargens. He was the proud great-grandfather to: Jennifer (Nolan) Cross, Amy Becker, Heidi Becker, Kaitlyn Murphy, Elliott Murphy, Ella Folden, Adam (Katie) Witte, Morgan Ten Eyck, Brendan TenEyck, Karli TenEyck, Hanna TenEyck, Ethan TenEyck, Ian Witte, Iva Witte, Michaela Witte, Claire Witte, Addy Witte, Henry Witte and Baby Hargens (to be born in June). Also great-great-grandchildren: Caiden Cross, Easton Cross and Jackson Witte (to be born in May). Eugene was preceded in death by his wife Mildred, his parents Henry and Rosalia Witte, a brother Donald Witte, and several relatives and friends.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Salem United Methodist Church, rural Pipestone, with burial in the church cemetery.