Marian Emilia Witte

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt remembrance that we announce the passing of Marian Emilia Witte, a devoted daughter, loving mother, cherished friend and compassionate elder of our community who departed this life peacefully at her daughter’s home in Cedar Grove on March 17, 2026, at the age of 97.

Born on Nov. 5, 1928, in Grafton, Wis., to Herman and Hedwig (nee Bittner) Tetzlaff, Marian lived a life rich in love, faith and commitment to her family and friends. She was a beacon of kindness, known for helping others and always extending her hand to those in need. 

Growing up in Grafton, Marian attended Lakefield School and Grafton High School, later meeting the love of her life Erwin O. Witte Sr. The couple wed on Nov. 15, 1947. She was grateful and blessed to have celebrated 67 years of marriage prior to Erwin’s passing.

Her family was her everything. She poured her heart into nurturing her children Nancy (Henry) Freier, Diane (David) Robishaw and the late Erwin Jr. (Ginny), instilling in them the values of hard work and compassion. As a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church, Grafton, Marian lived out her strong faith through active involvement in activities at church, where she embraced all with warmth and grace, treating everyone as family.

Marian was proud to have worked as a research technician at Fromm Laboratories in Grafton before retiring in 1976 after 20 years of service.

She will be remembered for her extraordinary culinary skills, particularly her famous German potato salad and delightful desserts — cheesecakes, apple pies, apple kuchen and applesauce made from apples she lovingly peeled by hand.

Marian’s storytelling ability and her joy for life were evident in her love of playing cards, especially sheepshead and solitaire. She was also a spirited polka dancer with her late husband, filling her home and church with laughter and music.

Marian is survived by her daughters Diane (David) Robishaw and Nancy (Henry) Freier and daughter-in-law Virginia (the late Erwin, Jr.) Witte. She is further survived by her grandchildren Stacy (the late Peter) Becker, Mackenzie (Zach) Dommer, Trista (Craig) Watermolen, Trevor (Kati) Robishaw, Kim (Mike) Schmit, Kevin (Melissa) Freier and Cindy (Kahlin) Taylor, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, as well as many close family and friends.

  Marian was preceded in death by her husband Erwin Witte Sr., son Erwin Witte Jr., grandson-in-law Peter Becker, brother Herman Tetzlaff Jr., parents and stepmother Louise Tetzlaff.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Peter and Kathie Viesselmann for rides to church, Jeanine Burhop for her unwavering love and support,  the staff of Compassus Hospice for their compassionate care for Marian and Plopper Funeral Home for helping with arrangements. 

Marian’s spirit of resilience was embodied in her favorite saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way,” which inspired those around her. Her unwavering commitment to keeping in touch with loved ones illustrated her genuine love for family and community.

A funeral service honoring Marian’s life will take place at St. John Lutheran Church, Grafton, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1 p.m., following a visitation starting at 11 a.m.

She will be laid to rest beside her late husband in Grafton, Wis., where her roots run deep. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

As we gather to celebrate Marian’s remarkable life and reflect on the legacy of love and kindness she leaves behind, we invite family and friends to share in this time of remembrance, honoring a wonderful woman who touched so many lives with her caring heart. She will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. John Lutheran Church would be greatly appreciated.

Plopper Funeral Home, Grafton, is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.plopperfh.com.