Bernard Witt

On February 13, 2024, Bernard “Bernie” Peter Witt, loving husband, father, and grandfather, cast his last fishing line on earth. Bernie was born July 15, 1939, in Pine Island, Minnesota to Wilhelm and Clara Witt, with a signature “wit” and charm that touched many throughout his life. One of three children, Bernie grew up as a rowdy schoolboy, doing his part on the family farm while always looking for ways to have fun. At age 17, he proudly purchased a light blue Volkswagon Beetle with cash, the first of four VW Bugs he would cherish. After graduating from Pine Island High School, he continued the family farm, played on multiple softball teams, and spent evenings at the Ponderosa Club, where he asked a young woman from Coon Rapids, Iowa for a dance, and subsequently met the love of his life, Diana Reineke.

Bernie and Diana (“Mick” as he lovingly called her) married on June 30, 1962, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pine Island. Not long after, they had their daughter, Julie, and son, Robert. They enjoyed a lively childhood on the farm and frequent visits from a charming “Dr. Wittzel”, who could fix any ailment with his first aid kit and a smile. Bernie’s fix-it spirit spilled over into a deep knowledge of repairing all kinds of house and machinery-related areas. If it could break, he could fix it. He also enjoyed many years playing in bowling and pool leagues with his friends. 

After selling the farm, Bernie built a ramble-style family home, the first of three houses he would build for Diana. Amidst chasing away Julie’s boyfriends and teaching Rob his fishing secrets, he was involved in the community as a member of the Pine Island School Board and Pine Island Elevator Board. His passions continued with his successful combining business and mentoring young farmers.

The years brought many fond travels, including a most memorable trip to Hamburg, Germany to visit his father’s roots. His life was charmed with six grandkids who adored him as a fun-loving playmate, always with a joke, rhyme, and a twinkle in his eye. Bernie enjoyed deer hunting, cozy bonfires, and time on the lake with a fishing rod in hand and a story to tell. His many gifts included kindness, humor, animated storytelling, and the ability to always find fun and friendship in life. 

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Diana Witt of Rochester, MN; his brother, Carl (Lynn) Witt of Johnson City, TN; children, Julie (Steven) Liddell of Appleton, WI, and Robert (Kaiya) Witt of Hastings, MN; grandchildren, Morgan Liddell (Dan Pettay), Alexander Liddell, Olivia (Ellis) Baehman, Zackary Liddell, Samuel Witt, Benjamin Witt (Dani Weinel); and great grandchild, Lulu Baehman. 

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Wilma Witt.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pine Island, MN with Pastor Marie Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 pm at the church. 

A private burial will follow the service at Pine Island Cemetery.