Robert Witte

Robert “Rob” James Witte, 78, passed away peacefully on

Friday, September 30, 2022 surrounded by family. Rob was

born November 1, 1943 in Flint, Michigan to Bob

and Madolin Witte. He was the third of nine children. Rob

attended Sacred Heart Academy in Mt Pleasant, Michigan

and went on to attend college at Marquette University in

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduation, he married his high

school sweetheart, Joanne Marie Thering. They were married

for 57 years and together they raised three children.

Rob began his career with Mobil Oil in 1965. Shortly after, he

was drafted to the U.S. Army, completed Officer Candidate

School and became a First Lieutenant stationed in Ft. Knox,

Kentucky. After completion of his military service, he

continued working for Mobil Oil for several years before

joining Koch Industries in 1976. Rob’s dedication and hard

work advanced him to the executive level as President of

Koch Materials. Upon retiring, he and Joanne moved to

Northern Michigan, where friends and family would spend

summers with them on Lake Leelanau. Rob and Joanne

relocated to the Kansas City area in 2017.

Rob loved golfing and following sports. Football season and

March Madness were favorite times of year. Rob lived a full

life as a beloved husband, father, proud grandfather, brother,

and friend. He is survived by his wife Joanne, his three

children Jeannie Sucre (Fernando), Paige Witte, and Ryan

Witte (Steph), his six grandchildren Isabella and Marco Sucre,

Cyrus and Ceanna Forney, and Miles and Owen Witte, and his

eight siblings Jeff Witte (Leslie), Joan Evans, Rick Witte, Mike

Witte, Madolin Witte-Freymuller (Chris), David Witte (Kathy),

Doug Witte (Julie), and Paul Keller (Lyn). Our family finds

comfort in knowing he has now joined his infant daughter in

Heaven. Mary Catherine Witte was still born in 1966.

Rob’s Celebration of Life will be held November 12, 2022 at

12:00pm at the Johnson County Funeral Chapel, 11200

Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park, Kansas, a luncheon and reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to

Catholic Community Hospice or American Cancer Society.