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.
Saturday, November 12, 2022
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)
Johnson County Funeral Chapel
Saturday, November 12, 2022
1:00 - 3:00 pm (Central time)
Johnson County Funeral Chapel
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