John Karl Witte was a beloved son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. He passed away unexpectedly at his home in Orem, Utah, on November 28, 2018, at the age of 72.
John was born April 2, 1946, in Panguitch, Utah, to parents Karl John Witte and Barbara June Luker. After Karl’s death, Barbara married John Woodson, who became his father figure.
In his youth, John was raised in Provo, Orem, and Pleasant Grove, Utah, attending Westmore Elementary School and Pleasant Grove High School.
John married Kathleen Louise Reeves in 1966. They were married for 10 years and had two children: Tamara Lynn and Paul Jay Witte.
John served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He studied to become an electronics technician. He worked as an avionics technician, an electrician, and he owned his own electronics repair shop in College Station, Texas, before returning to Utah.
John earned his pilot’s license; he enjoyed the thrill and freedom of flight, and admired aircraft. He enjoyed music and movies. John was a self-taught pianist; playing the piano gave him joy and satisfaction. He was fond of ham radio, saltwater aquariums and camping. He also enjoyed gardening; he tended his vegetable garden for many years and savored his harvests.
Family was John’s greatest joy. He appreciated spending time visiting with family members. He would attend birthday parties, graduations, and weddings; sit at the kitchen table chatting over a cup of coffee; and drop by for quiet conversations with family and friends.
John enjoyed spending vacation time with family. Traveling provided some of his greatest experiences and fondest memories.
John loved each individual family member and friend. He had a strong personality and a soft heart. He had bright eyes, a quick smile, and he always enjoyed a good laugh.
John is preceded in death by father Karl John Witte, mother Barbara June Luker Woodson, stepfather John Woodson, and daughter Tamara Lynn Witte of Orem, Utah. He is survived by son Paul Jay (Keri) Witte of Pleasant Grove, Utah; grandsons Brandon Jay Witte of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Christopher James Witte of Pleasant Grove, Utah; sister Teresa Ann Telschow of Orem, Utah; sister Karla June (Robert) Short of Orem, Utah; sister Debbie Johnson of Orem, Utah; and by nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The world was more complete with John in it. His passing was sudden, and our goodbyes regrettably insufficient. We will always feel his absence yet sense his presence through our memories.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 4, 2018, at 12:00 p.m., at the Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home located at 495 South State Street in Orem, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held prior to the service from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Orem City Cemetery with military rites. Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
10:30 - 11:30 am (Mountain time)
Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Starts at 12:00 pm (Mountain time)
Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home
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