Lawrence "Chief" Witt

Lawrence "Chief" James Witt, 68, Athens, died unexpectedly Monday, May 23, 2016, doing what he loved, fishing. He was born February 1, 1948 in Manitowoc, son of the late Richard and Norma (Bahrs) Witt. On August 27, 1998 he married the love of his life, LuAnn "Lucy" Stahnke in Hamburg. They would've been married 17 years this August. Lawrence proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army in the 4-14th Calvary. He worked for 30 years at Ryder as a diesel mechanic and was a car enthusiast who took exceptional care of all the vehicles he owned. Chief lived, breathed, walked and talked fishing. Larry took his hobby of making musky lures one step further and started L & L Tackle. He enjoyed nature, being outdoors, hunting, and bird watching. Chief started and ran another business, L & L Transport for 8 years. He was proud of his many pins and awards received for avidly donating blood. Known for his specific palate when it came to food, Chief would gladly tell you where you could get the best steak, chicken, or anything else you could want. Above all he was a family man who cherished time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, LuAnn "Lucy" Witt, Athens; children, Jason (Heather Martell) Witt, Weston, Amy (Todd Catlin) Klinger, Merrill, Josh (Daniell Van Ness) Newton, New Jersey, Jessica (Jaco) Serfontein, Wausau and Kyle D. (Kristi) Newton, Mosinee; grandchildren, Dane and Reed Klinger, Zach, Lucas and Emily Newton, Sune' Serfontein and Lily Newton; siblings, Dennis (Vi) Witt, California and Kathleen (Karen Brasch) Witt, Appleton; mother-in-law, MaryAnn Stahnke; sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Jim) Charais, Chippewa Falls, Judith (Jerry) Almos, Montana, Annie (Bob) Zynda, Rothschild, Sue Goytowski, Schofield and Mary (Thom) Hack, Wausau; brothers-in-law, Charles (Louise) Stahnke, Arizona, James (Sheila) Stahnke, Arizona, Patrick Stahnke, Arizona and Michael (Lanny Harder) Stahnke, Arizona; nephew, Tyler Witt; niece, Chrystal Witt; 34 more nephews and nieces; many other relatives and friends. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Norbert Stahnke and a brother-in-law, Lee "Butch" Stahnke. A casual celebration of Lawrence "Chief's" life will be held on Saturday, June 4th, 2016 from 10 am until 2 pm at Big Eau Pleine Park, Shelter 19 in Mosinee. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com