Jerome Witte

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jerome Witte will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Father Maurice Current officiating. Interment will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Orleans, Nebraska with Military Honors provided by the Orleans Harold Morin Post #184 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Laird "Jerome" Witte, 84 years of age, of Orleans, passed away, on September 6, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society - Colonial Villa in Alma, Nebraska. Jerome was born in Cambridge, Nebraska on December 9, 1939, the eldest of six children, born to Wilbur Clarence and Viola Genevieve (Karash) Witte. He received his education from Orleans Public School and graduated from Orleans High School, with the class of 1957.

Following his education, Jerome worked on the family farm before enlisting in the United States Army and serving in Korea. When he returned from the Army he went back to farming with his Dad and Uncle.

Jerome enjoyed bowling, playing cards, especially in Las Vegas, Nevada, and going to the horse races. He had a great memory and could rattle off the answer to any sports trivia you would ask him.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church where he was a trustee and led the Rosary on Sunday mornings for several years. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Viola Witte; two brothers-in-law: Richard Ronnau; and Jack Schmidt; one great-nephew, Kieran Brennan; 11 Uncles: Jake, Charlie, Louis, and Bud Karash; Alvin, Gilbert, Herbie, Roy, Art, Jerry, and Ed Witte; five Aunts: Agnes Purvis; Esther Deaver; Irene Kubik; Vera Laughlin; and Patty Young.

Jerome is survived by his two brothers: Kenneth Witte of Orleans; and David Witte and his wife, Pam of Orleans; three sisters: Vivian Botkin and her husband, Michael of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; Arlene Ronnau and her special friend Bob Rhoades of Muncie, Indiana; Janice Schmidt of Hastings, Nebraska; 15 nieces and nephews: Megan Hall and her husband, Nick; Ryan Witte; Emily Nardo and her husband, Matt; Drew Witte; Lyssa Witte; Chance Witte; Haley Witte; Bryce Witte and his wife, Larista; Brenda Brennan; Craig Botkin and his wife, Janet; Jeffrey Ronnau and his wife, Angie; Pamela Ronnau; Scott Ronnau and his wife Barbara; Mark Schmidt and his wife, Steph; Janelle Stormberg; and a host of great nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans.

A memorial has been established in Jerome's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.