Dr. Joe Wittmer

As a resident of Sarasota, which has a substantial Amish and Mennonite population, I am reminded daily of the contributions Joe made to ensure the continued existence of the Amish and Mennonite cultures. Joe was an amazing man and is greatly missed.

What a pleasure it was to visit with Joe these past two years in Sebring at the Lambda Chi Alpha gatherings. We talked a lot about his book, "The Gentle People" and he graciously sent me a copy which I very much enjoyed reading. Sue, my condolences in your loss. I hope you will still join us in Sebring this next February. Betty and I would be pleased to pick you up on our way down. (Jerry & Betty Quick)

Joe played an enormous role in my early career as a counselor educator. He was generous in advice and support and included me in the early years of CACREP. He was such a good Department Chair that when I became a chair I would use many of his strategies such as convincing a faculty member to volunteer because “It will look good on your vita!” My sympathy to Sue, Diane, David and Scott on your loss. Peggy Fong Bloom, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI

What a great friend Joe (and his family) was to me during my "Gator years". He took me under his wing in the early days and continued to bless me in multiple ways throughout my Gainesville years. He was smart, kind, generous, funny, gentle and loyal. I loved him. He was my Florida dad and I'll miss him.

We are heartsick over the death of our dear friend, Joe Wittmer. Joe, Ed and I all went to high school together. Ed and Joe played sports together. Joe was instrumental in getting Ed to attend Indiana State University after his return from four years in the Navy. They were Fraternity brothers. Ed also met Sue at I.S.U. We have been lifelong friends. Joe was a soft-spoken, gentle giant of a man who always thought of others first. Joe was a really good human being. Our thoughts and...

My condolences to the family of Dr. Wittmer. He served as chair of my Ph.D. committee in the early 80's and never failed to share his knowledge and insight with me and the countless other students that he supervised.
He also shared his humble beginnings with me and my Seventh-day Adventist church family on one Sabbath afternoon. Most of all, he believed in me and my ability to succeed. I am forever grateful for his faith and guidance.
He was not only my chairman, but also my...

So sorry for your loss. I went to grade school in Epsom, IN with Joe he was a good friend.

On behalf of the Loogootee Page family-Lester,Bette, Steve, Jo Dee, and Tony, our thoughts and prayers are with Sue, their children, and Joe's siblings. My respect and admiration for Joe go from watching Joe and brother, Wilmer, excel in sports at Loogootee to having the privilege of being a student in Joe's psychology class at ISU. He was a very special person to our family and countless others.

I wish to send condolences to Sue and the children; especially to Scott, who I taught at Fr. Clarke Middle School, and who was for years a good friend to my daughter,Beth, who shared his fondness and talent in art. Paul visited the summer classes of Florida Writing Seminar, sharing effective methods of classroom behavior, which, for years helped me establish rapport with my students as they excelled. I remain thankful for that gift. My heart goes out to you now at the loss of your husband and...