Eric Arthur Wittlief

Eric Arthur Wittlief, 24, of Pine Island, died suddenly at Big Woods State Park in Nerstrand, Minnesota. He was born on August 22, 2002 in Rochester, Minnesota to Clint and Amy (Glende) Wittlief. He graduated from Pine Island High School where he met and later married his high school sweetheart. Eric Wittlief was united in marriage to Rebekah Gustine on April 13, 2024 in the Rochester area.

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Rebekah; his dog and companion, Annie; his parents, Clint and Amy Wittlief; his siblings, Wyatt Wittlief, and Sara (Aiden Swan) Wittlief; his parents-in-law, Gregg and Teresa Gustine; both sides of grandparents; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Eric was a dairy farmer and was very passionate about his cows. He also loved and cherished his dog, Annie, whom he took with him everywhere. When Eric wasn't with his cows you could find him fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. From the age of 4-12 he raced snowmobiles, winning several races and was High Season's Point Champion multiple times. Eric also enjoyed running and went to state for cross-country and track. He was an excellent fisherman and even guided Troy Linder on a fishing trip. Eric loved spending time at his parents Canadian Fishing and Hunting Resort and at the Christmas Tree Farm. He also worked for 8 years at Klingsporn Farm. Eric enjoyed attending and was a member of Christ Community Church accepting Jesus as his Savior at a young age being baptized in May of 2016. Eric also loved spending time with family and particularly enjoyed eating mom's cookies fresh from the oven.

A public visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota, Minnesota. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Milton Township Cemetery.