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Gary Witthoft Obituary
Gary Lee Witthoft
July 6, 1949-September 13, 2021
Gary Lee Witthoft was born July 6, 1949, in Washington, Iowa. He died suddenly, at the young age of 72, from a major brain bleed, on his mother's birthday - Monday, September 13, 2021, in that same beloved hometown of Washington. If you knew Gary, you know why there could never be enough room to list his many accomplishments throughout his career, and more importantly, with his family. Gary was a hard working man who accepted and loved Jesus. Though he was on the quieter side, when Gary spoke, people listened. He was respected - incredibly.
Gary leaves behind his beloved and heartbroken wife, Peggy (Rich) Witthoft. He and Peggy had two daughters, Staci Yoder and Kim Witthoft - who are simply crushed. It will surprise no one that Gary was their rock. Next to Jesus, Gary also had a "rock" - his son-in-law, Jeremy Yoder, who already misses the man he so respected. Gary absolutely adored his precious grandchildren - Oliver, Isaac, and Phoebe Yoder; and Hudson and Paige Wickwire. He lived and provided so well for his family. They were all his pride and joy, which was evidenced by his infectious smile and "Witthoft Laugh" - it's really a thing amongst Gary's siblings and their parents. He also leaves behind adoring in-laws, Jim and Joan Rich. Along with the many nieces and nephews he treasured, Gary loved Peg's family as much as they loved him. They include the late Mike Rich, Linda and Denny Drish, Tim Rich, Nancy and the late Scott Bisbey.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Martha (Zieglowsky) Witthoft. He leaves behind three wonderful siblings who will miss him terribly - Denny Witthoft (Sandy), Linda Cnossen (Jim), and Sharon (Butch) Weber.
A funeral will be held at Cedar Valley Church in Waterloo, Iowa - 3520 Ansborough Avenue, on Monday, September 20th at 10:00 a.m. The family requests masks be worn. There will be no visitation. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date where the family will scatter Gary's ashes at the Witthoft family farm in Washington.
Autism Society of Iowa, Tunnel to Towers, and the UNI Suzuki School are organizations dear to the family, if anyone would like to make a donation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Witthoft
Donna Proudfit
September 11, 2023
Two years...how can it be? May time heal. May your love carry you through each day.
Beth Thomas
September 11, 2023
Thinking of you today Staci and Kim! May you always cherish your Dads Memories and knowing that you will meet again someday!
Donna Proudfit
September 11, 2022
Thinking of you Peggy and family this day. Be well and have the continued strength to move forward with many memories in your heart.
Donja Rich
September 29, 2021
To all my precious Whittoft cousins and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you for the loss of a great man, Gary. May you find comfort in memories and your faith to help you through the coming days.
Tom Randleman
September 23, 2021
I'm truly sorry to read the news today. Your family has been so near and dear to our hearts. May you and your family find God's comfort and strength.
Angela Woodhouse
September 20, 2021
Peg, Kim & Stacie,
I am so saddened to hear about the loss of Gary. He was one of the nicest guys I´ve ever known. Sending you all comforting hugs.
Mike, Katy, Grace and Frances Williams
September 18, 2021
Sending love and prayers to your family.
Debbie Duncan
September 17, 2021
Peg and girls, I´m so sorry he´s passed. You loved him well as did he love you all extremely well. Hugs and prayers for your family
Charles Velasquez
September 17, 2021
I am so sorry to read this. Peggy, Gary's influence can be seen in the way you and he raised your daighters. Staci and Kim made teaching a joy and helped a young teacher weather his early years. His brilliance lives on in you, the girls, and also those that touched the lives that he touched.
- Mr. V.
Scott Smith
September 17, 2021
I so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Gary at HNI for many years and he was truly a touched soul. I think many at HNI will say he was a friend first and a co-worker second. I miss those times and wish we would have kept in touch more.
To Peggy and all that loved him, know that he impacted so many of us along his journey and I will never forget our discussions and his guidance.
Scott
Donna Proudfit
September 17, 2021
Your Prince will always be in your heart. He made a difference in many lives. So happy to reacquaint with him at UP. Love to you and family.
Leslie Logel
September 17, 2021
Peggy, Staci, and Kim:
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was a very kind and gentle man. Please know that I am thinking of you.
Pam Pump
September 17, 2021
Peggy, I am so heart broken to hear of this. INCREDIBLE doesn't begin to describe Gary. I pray for you and the girls to give you strength. Love , Pam ( Dr Ms office)
Linda Thompson
September 17, 2021
Peggy, Kim and Stacy, I am so sorry for your loss.
Terry and Julie Main
September 17, 2021
So very sorry to see this sad news, sending our condolences to your entire family.
Sherry friday
September 17, 2021
So so sorry to read this....such a sad loss. Please know my loving thoughts are with all of Gary´s family.
Molly Connor
September 17, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Gary. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Keep those wonderful memories alive and share them with friends and loved ones.
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