Louis A. Witte was born on September 10, 1925, to Benjamin and Mathilda Witte, Hickman, NE. He graduated from Syracuse High School. He owned and operated the Witte Garage and then worked for the Ford Motor Company as a mechanic and parts and service manager for many years. He married Phyllis Groteluschen on June 19, 1949, to which three daughters were born.

Lou was an active and faithful member of the United Church of Christ in Syracuse, taught Sunday School, was on the Church Council, and cleaned the church as custodian for seven years. He always carried a triangle, symbolizing the Holy Trinity and our relationship with God. It also reminded him of faith, hope and love and his three daughters.

He was an early member of the Syracuse Fire Department, and on the Syracuse Rescue Squad for 16 years. In the early years on Sunday afternoons he could be found searching for Indian artifacts in Brownell Watershed. His collection was donated to the Otoe County Museum. He enjoyed family camping trips to Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, and California. The family was fast at setting up tents, inflating and deflating air mattresses, and getting a meal on a picnic table. He is fondly remembered by his family for his stories told during vacation car rides to pass the time, games he played (like inchworm, garbage disposal, thrill rides, stare-downs, and "you'll never get away"), and his wonderful bear hugs. He and his wife Phyllis also enjoyed trips to Europe, Germany, Washington, D.C, Alaska, and Hawaii. He always worked the daily crossword puzzle, reading about Nebraska history, and visiting the Nebraska State Historical Society. Lou and Phyllis were Ambassadors for the Syracuse Germanfest in 2003 and were long time members of the Syracuse Lions Club. Lou died on September 13, 2014.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis, daughters Joan (Warren) Anthony, Elkhorn, NE, Linda (Scott) Anderson, Osceola, NE, and Carol (Harlan) Maguire, Bellevue, NE, and grandchildren Jenny (Andy) Schlosser, Bill (Kelli) Anthony, Theresa (Scott) Webster, Sarah (Joe) Baumert, Michelle (Derek) Brovont, and eight great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Arvel (Carol), Rolling Hills, CA, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The funeral will be held at United Church of Christ in Syracuse on Wednesday, September 17 at 11AM. Private burial service will preceed the funeral service at the church.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 16 from 9 A.M. until 9 P.M. with family greeting friends from 5 until 7 P.M. at Fusselman Funeral Home in Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the family choice or donor choice.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441