E. Witte

E. Kendall "Ken" Witte, born April 9, 1926 to Wilbert Lee and Nelda Ellnora Witte in Madison, died April 25, 2013. Ken attended Waubesa School, a one room schoolhouse for grades 1 - 8 and graduated from Madison East H.S. in 1943. Ken enlisted in the navy and trained as a radio and radar repair technician. He was honorably discharged June 1946. He graduated from UW-Madison in Business in 1949 and earned his MBA in 1970.


Ken was employed at Oscar Mayer from 1949-1990 both in Madison and Philadelphia, finishing his career as Product Manager for Louis Rich Turkey.

Ken believed in his responsibility to participate in community. He was active in the Van Hise PTO while his children were attending, serving as president for a term, and supported their 4-H, Boy Scout and Girl Scout endeavors. Ken was social chairperson for the Hill Farm Neighborhood Association, organizing the annual 4th of July picnic for several years. He enjoyed volunteering as a pontoon boat captain, taking Madison and Middleton area school children on Madison's lakes and Yahara River. He was an active member in the WI Woodland Owners Association, overseeing tree planting with his children yearly. Ken served as a Madison alderperson. He delighted in meeting people, relishing the opportunity to hear other's opinions and the ensuing discussions.

Ken was proud to play his small part in supplying food to those who really needed it. He was humbled by the generosity of so many individuals and businesses. Ken helped develop the farmer's market gleaners, and the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens with Emmett Schulte. He picked up bread from area bakeries, delivering it to low-income housing residents, and transported Middleton School District surplus lunch food to the local food pantries. He coordinated collecting excess produce such as corn, onions, and potatoes from area growers and prison gardens, and then transporting to local food pantries. Ken oversaw the distribution and mailing of donated seeds from the Olds Seed Company to charitable organizations which served low-income individuals eager to plant gardens. Many knew him as 'Mr. Opportunity' due to his passion for encouraging others to volunteer to help the less fortunate.

Ken was a member of the Evangelical United Brethen Church which merged with Trinity United Methodist Church. He transferred to Asbury United Methodist Church where he had been an active member, singing in the choir in his younger years, serving as a trustee, and teaching Sunday School. Most recently, Ken cherished hymn sings in the area, belting out the old favorites with friends.

A special thank you to Dr. John D. Wilson, pulmonary specialist at Dean Clinic, who took the time to sit with Ken and explain to him, his severe pulmonary, cardiac, and kidney problems. These problems were like a 3-legged stool: collapse of one leg meant Ken's demise. Ken accepted this analogy as a mantra during his final weeks of life, aware he would soon meet his Lord.

Ken was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother-in-law. He married Natalie Anita Slocumb July 15, 1950. He is survived by his wife, Natalie; children: Anita (Bill) Wiese [WI], Kendall (Julie) Witte [TX], Bill Witte [NY], Dave (Joy) Morris [Canada], Jim (Nicole) Witte [IL], Elizabeth (Rick) Hinrichs [WA], Patty Witte [WI]; 17 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; nieces: Eleanor Witte [CO], Sherri (Dean) Demetri [CA], Vicki Slocumb [WI]; nephews: Bob (Karen) Irwin [WI], Steve Irwin [MN], Rory Slocumb [WI]; sisters-in-law: Aileen Irwin [WI], Alanna Slocumb [CA], Martha Witte [CA]; and brother-in-law Dr Charles Slocumb [CA]. Ken was preceded in death by his mother and father, Nelda and Wilbert Witte, and brother, Keith Witte.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, or Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens (Emmett Schulte 518 S. Owen Dr Madison, WI 53711 [608] 233-4829).

Visitation will be Sunday, April 28, 1 - 4 p.m at Asbury United Methodist Church (6101 University Ave Madison) followed by the hymn sing funeral service 4- 5 p.m. Refreshments following.