Shirley Witte

Shirley Witte
Shirley (Card) Witte, age 81, entered her eternal home on December 29, 2024, after a life filled with family, joy, and service to others, but cut short by a nearly seven-year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Shirley was born November 26, 1943, in Gladwin, Michigan, to parents George and Mary Card. The family later moved to Pinconning, where Shirley graduated from high school in 1963. She married Walt Witte on August 31,1967 and they moved to Midland shortly thereafter to raise their family.
Shirley worked for 30 plus years for Midland Public Schools, working at Mills Elementary, Dow High, and the Administration Center.
Shirley had a lifelong passion for working with children and applied that passion to an endless commitment to the youth of Hope Lutheran Church in Rhodes, MI. Whether it was teaching Sunday School, helping with children's Christmas programs, teaching confirmation classes, mentoring youth groups, or chaperoning youth social events, if there was a youth event scheduled, Shirley was most assuredly involved. Known as Aunt Shirley to all, a full generation of church youth consider her an influential gift to their early faith journeys.
Plans for her retirement were upended when Walt, her husband of 32 years, was tragically taken from her in a car accident in 2000. Still, she pivoted to different plans and committed to living a full life. She could generally be found at whatever sports events or plays that involved her grandchildren and was willing to travel the country to do so. Family time at the lake was time she cherished, especially when her grandchildren were present. She enjoyed time spent around campfires, playing games, and splashing around in the lake. She volunteered in the office at Trinity Lutheran Church and dedicated several years to the care of her parents as they both also navigated Alzheimer's Disease/dementia.
It wasn't until she was in her mid-sixties that Shirley committed to her physical fitness by running in her first road races and entering weightlifting competitions. Never one to approach anything half-heartedly, she worked relentlessly with her personal trainers Matt and Adam and set many state weightlifting records for her age division. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing her fitness journey with the public when the local news station ran a feature on her achievements in the gym.
Shirley is survived by her children, Renée (Paul) Schroll, Scott (Grace) Witte and Lorri (Jim) Wilson; grandchildren, Tyler Schroll, Jessica Schroll, Kenney (Katie) Knipe, Alex (Liz) Wilson, Jimmy Wilson, and Krissy Wilson; great-grandchildren, Maddox Schroll, Lila Schroll, Miles Knipe, Hank Wilson and Quinn Wilson; sisters-in-law, Sigrid, Mable and Kay; brother-in-law, Bill; 27 nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Diana Chubb.
Shirley was pre-deceased by her husband, Walt; parents, George and Mary Card; brother, Don Card; brothers-in-law, Carl, George, Ron, Rich, Stu, Bub, Louis, William, and Charlie; sisters-in-law, Nita, Geri, Lorraine, Wilma, Joyce, Norma, Jan and Cary; and four nieces and nephews.
Services will take place at 11 a.m. on January 18, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, MI with Pastor Danielle Shealy officiating. The family will receive visitors at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, followed by a luncheon at the church. Per Shirley's desire, cremation has taken place. Interment of ashes will take place at Hope Lutheran Church cemetery in Rhodes, MI at 3 p.m. following the funeral luncheon.
Shirley's family wishes to thank the staff of Primrose Retirement Community and the Careline Hospice team for their compassion and commitment to Shirley's care.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Hope Lutheran Church in Rhodes, Michigan or Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, Michigan.