Pete Witte

Carl H. (Pete) Witte passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Pete has requested no formal funeral services, so a memorial service for family and close friends to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Pete was born to Herman and Augusta Witte on November 3, 1932 in Rushville, Nebraska. A lifetime member of the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, he attended the Assumption Academy through the 8th grade and then attended Chadron High School where he played football, basketball, and met his future wife. After high school, Pete began ranching with his father and brothers in South Dakota. In 1952, he married Betty Broadhurst and together they raised six children. He taught his children about all matters pertaining to ranching, horses, grasses, land formations and so many things in nature like the plants, trees, insects, the stars and so much more. Pete also showed his children how to enjoy hard work, be honest in dealing with others and to be generous when they saw a need arise. After 30 years of ranching, he worked for the Forest Service for many seasons. In retirement, he truly enjoyed his yard full of flowers, tress, and his bountiful vegetable gardens which he shared with so many until this year when his health would not allow him to do so. Pete was very much loved, respected and admired by all of his family, his children, grandchildren, and his large, loving hands and heart returned that love to all of them. Our loving, gentle giant will be sorely missed by all of us. Pete is survived by his wife, Betty, of nearly 63 years; his daughter Kathy (Pete) Kindred of Smithwick, SD; daughter-in-law Cheryl of Fort Collins, CO. He is also survived by his sons: Ron (Vicki) of Whitney, NE; Rick of McPherson, KS; Randy of rural Guthrie, OK; Craig (Susan) of Kalispell, MT. Pete is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, his brother Joe of Edgemont, SD; sister Phyllis of Cheyenne, WY; and numerous nieces and nephew. Preceding Pete in death was his parents, two brothers, two sisters, his son, Rob, and one grandchild, Tim. Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com . Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.