Witt, Vivian 1912-2008

WITT

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/27/2008 at 10:40:44

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, October 27, 2008

Vivian A. Witt, 96, a long-time resident of Le Mars died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars.

Vivian Augusta Witt was born March 17, 1912, and grew up in the Marcus area where she graduated from Marcus High School in 1929 and from the Lincoln School of Commerce, Lincoln, Neb., in 1931. After graduating, she worked for Geo. E. Pew and for Engle Motor Company in Le Mars. Throughout World War II, she worked as a secretary under J. Edgar Hoover at FBI Headquarters, Washington, D.C. In 1946, Vivian resigned from the FBI to return to Iowa to care for her parents. She moved to Cherokee and worked for Engle Ford Motor Company and cared for her parents.

In 1956 she moved to Le Mars and worked at Sioux Tools for 25 years, where she was the first employee recognized as "Employee of the Month." After retiring from Sioux Tools, she worked at Norm's Apple Orchard for 11 years and was known by many as the "Apple Lady."

Vivian loved animals, from her cats and dogs to all animals living in the wild.

She enjoyed bowling and traveling. Her favorite trips included touring the British Isles, seeing the Seattle World Fair, and personally watching the launch of the Apollo moon shot that carried Neil Armstrong to the moon.

She is survived by one sister Myrtle Witt Ware and six nieces and one nephew.

Vivian was preceded in death by her mother, Henrietta (Harms) Witt in 1949, her father, August H. Witt in 1968, a brother Leonard Witt and his wife June, and a sister Mabelle (Witt) Juhl and her husband Earl.

Following her wishes, graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Remsen City Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Landsness and Marcia Young AiM of St. John's Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. officiating.

Memorials can be directed to the Siouxland Humane Society, 1015 Tri-View Ave, Sioux City, Iowa, 51103.

Pallbearers will be Deloss Smith, Bruce Smith, Tom Juhl, Jack Bellus, and Jeff Heuertz. Honorary casketbearers will be Leonard Kruse, Norman Koch, Jay Heuertz, Robert McClaren, Jon McClaren, Maj. Todd Smith, Ken Wilson, and all former co-workers of the Sioux Tool Plant in Le Mars.