Eric R. Witte

Eric Richard Witte, age 56, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Maplewoods Assisted Living, Deer River, MN with his son, Sam, and sister, Rosann, by his side.

Eric was born in 1969 to Ned and Carol Witte in Milaca, MN. Eric graduated from Milaca High School. After graduation, he attended trade school in Minneapolis earning an Auto Cad degree and began working as a mapper at ECE in Braham, MN. Eric began nursing training in Pine City, MN then continued that training in Grand Rapids when he moved to Calumet. Eric worked at Kid's Peace Academy in Buhl, MN while studying for his LPN. While waiting for a nursing job opportunity, an opening came at Grand Rapids Public Utilities, and he took the job as a meter reader until his illness.

In 2013, Eric was diagnosed with spinal meningitis, which resulted in paralysis. Despite these profound challenges, he faced life with strength, determination, and continued faith.

Eric liked the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, but his true passion was sports. Eric loved to cook. He wasn't afraid to try new and challenging recipes, and he always dreamed of owning his own restaurant. He also enjoyed coloring in his later years. Eric was very generous and a thoughtful gift giver, putting extra care into giving just the right gifts. Above all, Eric took great joy in being a father and was extremely proud of his son.

He is preceded in death by his father. Eric is survived by his son, Samuel Witte; mother, Carol Witte; siblings, Jerome (Melanie), Ned (Zenia), Rosann (Ron) Wolbert, Michael Witte; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 PM at Libbey Funeral Home. A private burial will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.

Memorials in Eric memory will be used for the placement of a headstone at the cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Libbey Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.libbeyfuneralhome.com.