Charles F. Witter

Charles F. Witter, age 86, of Newell, Iowa died Sunday, May 7, 2017 at the Newell Good Samaritan Society. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 12, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Newell Fire Station in Newell. Burial will be at a later date in the Newell Cemetery. Visitation will take place Thursday, May 11, 2017 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Newell is in charge of the arrangements. Charles Frederick Witter was born July 4, 1930 in Newell, Iowa, the son of Edward and Charlotte (Zemke) Witter. Charlie grew up in Newell and graduated from Newell High School in 1948. On June 4, 1948, Charlie was united in marriage to Bonnie Lorraine White at the Methodist Church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with three children: Roger, Linda, and Laurie. After marriage, Charlie started working on a farm and later was a custodian at the Newell School. Charlie worked at Walt’s Skelly Service before taking over as Witter’s Skelly Service, a gas station and bulk truck operator. He owned and operated the business for 18 years. After selling the business, he worked for Farm Service as a bulk truck operator for 15 years. Later in life, he managed the Newell Golf Course for eight years. Charlie was extremely involved in the Newell community. For 55 years, he volunteered for the Newell Fire Department, and stood as Assistant Chief for two years, before becoming Chief for 23 years. He was Grand Marshall of the Newell Pride Days Parade, received the award for Newell Volunteer Firefighter of the Year, and received the Governor’s Volunteer Award. Charlie held offices in the community such as Mayor for 12 years, and was also on the Newell Chamber of Commerce. Charlie was a member of the Newell United Methodist Church, and after its closing, joined the Varina United Methodist Church. Hunting and golfing were a few favorite pastimes of Charlie’s. He enjoyed attending the firemen’s convention, dancing, playing cards with their card club, and golfing in tournaments. Charlie was an avid Minnesota Vikings, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Iowa State Cyclone fan. Most of all, Charlie was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Bonnie Witter of Newell, Iowa; children: Roger (Lynn) Witter of Davenport, Iowa; Linda (Garry) Hill of Spencer, Iowa; Laurie (Allen) Bland of Newell, Iowa; grandchildren: Jeff Stormer (significant other, Terri Bell), Michael (Tracy) Witter, Cheryl Hill, William Hill (significant other, Corrina Painter), Stephanie (Chad) Bals, Aaron (Christina) Bland, KayLynn Bland; great grandchildren: Madison, Brittany, Sydney, Brett, Brooklyn, Breeana, Jaida, Kinley, Haley, Thad, Rebekah, Emma, Carter, Audrey; sisters-in-law, Violet Kuhn and Martha White; extended family and friends. Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Elmer and Stacy White; and brothers: Edward Jr., Herbert, and Robert.

Charles F. Witter

July 4, 1930 - May 7, 2017