Wilma "Willie" Eleanor (Levandoski) Witter

Wilma "Willie" Witter 94, passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 2, 2022. We were so fortunate to have a wonderful mom, grandma, and great grandma for so long. Matriarch to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she set a high standard for home and family. Her capability, energy, subtle wit and non-complaining spirit are examples we all hope to emulate.

Willie was born September 23, 1927 in Wausau, WI to Eleanor (Gwidt) and William Levandoski. She was educated in the Wausau Public School system, the University of Wisconsin and North Central Technical Institute.

Willie met her future husband while he was delivering bottled milk near her family‘s home. She was a city girl and she married a dairy farmer. Willie and Gene Witter were married for 64 years.

Willie was active in an assortment of organizations. Her life of volunteerism started while she was still in high school earning a service award for hours of voluntary service. Willie was a participating member of the Marathon County Homemakers Club for many years. She has a long list of committees, area and state boards to her credit. She was an active member of a woman’s service group, The Altrussa Club of Wausau for over 40 years, changing its name to Stepping Forward and continued as an active member until her death. Willie became involved in Highway Safety in 1972 by representing the Farm Bureau Women on a panel at regional seminars. She served on the Marathon County Highway Safety Commission, and was honored to serve on the Wisconsin Association of Women’s Highway Safety Leaders and was involved with the safety belt coalition. Willie was the first woman to serve as Director on the State Board of Wisconsin Farm Bureau representing a seven county area.

Willie lived in Wausau her entire life and for many years on the dairy farm owned by Willie, her husband Gene, and son Tom. Willie Witter was a fine example of a multifaceted woman of the greatest generation, definitely running a large, active household, feeding, comforting and mentoring her family.

Willie was a wonderful homemaker, raising three children, helping on the farm as needed, and in the early years of marriage, she had a very large vegetable garden, even though she hated getting dirt on her hands. She had a kind heart and the home had a parade of cats and dogs over the years. Willie was an avid reader, completed the Wausau Daily Herald crossword puzzle every day and she and her husband loved to play cards with friends and family. They were part of a couples card club for over 58 years. Willie was a devoted Packer fan and never missed watching the Brewer’s, Badger basketball and football games. Her favorite color was hot pink. She loved her cats, Winnie the Pooh and going to the movie theater every Tuesday.

Willie is survived by three children, Christine (Clifford) Avery, Oakdale, MN, Scott (Renee) Witter, Chattanooga, TN and Thomas (Diana) Witter, Wausau; six grandchildren, Curt (Allison) Egner, Eagan, MN, Charlotte (Matthew) Rozek, Folsom, CA, Jennifer (Kyle “Pudge” Kasieta) Witter, Wausau, Stephanie (Nate Steinagel) Witter, Wausau, Luke (Mandi Witman) Witter, Wausau and Danielle (Jonathon) Minton, Nashville, TN; eight great grandchildren, Elara Egner, Grover Rozek, Walter Rozek, Beckett Minton, Sydney Steinagel, Ellie Witter, Hank Witter and Peyton Steinagel.  Willie is also survived by eight loving cats.

Willie was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents, Eleanor and William Levandoski; sisters, Florence Treptow and Phyllis Anderson; brother, William Levandoski; nephews, Michael Treptow and Christopher Levandoski; niece, Mary Lavin; step grandson, Jesse Witter and many in-laws and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Jenny Witter who cared for Willie for eight years, enabling her to age comfortably in her home. Jenny efficiently ran the household and was a sympathetic, observant, cheerful, compassionate and affectionate caregiver to her grandmother. A special thank you for the home and respite care supplied by TLC  Home Care, Inner Peace Home Care Services (Nicole), LLC, Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, especially by palliative care nurse, Bernie.

A celebration of Willie’s life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Willow Springs Garden, 5480 Hillcrest Drive, Wausau, WI 54401.  Visitation beginning at 11:00 am, service and tributes at 12:00 p.m. followed by a celebratory meal.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to: The Marathon County Humane Society, 7001 Packer Drive,  Wausau, WI 54401.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com