Maurice "Morry" Witter

Maurice "Morry" Witter, 85, of Rochester, MN passed away on Friday, February 9th, 2024, at Shorewood Assisted Living, surrounded by his loving family.

Morry was born on December 6th, 1938 in Rochester, MN, to Ebbie and Olive (Koelsch) Witter. He grew up with three siblings, Rich, Karen and Gloria. Morry attended grades 1-8 in a one room schoolhouse in Douglas, MN. During his childhood years Morry was often found playing ball somewhere in the neighborhood at the expense of his gardening duties. Morry developed a lifelong love of sports and fishing from his dad, Ebbie. He was also known to have a special empathy for children who would flock to his arms.

Morry graduated from Rochester High School, where he captained the school's baseball team. Morry graduated from Rochester Junior College with a degree in finance where he played Junior League baseball and participated in track. He later worked in finance at IBM before retiring.

Morry married Gail Sleeper in 1960. Together, they had four daughters: Lori, Jill, Lisa and Julie. They later divorced.

Morry found the love of his life and married Phyllis Jean Johnson, on July 2, 1982. They met through their daughter's who shared a class in high school.

Morry continued his lifelong love of sports by participating in church league softball and fishing. He was also an avid Minnesota sports fan.

One of Morry's favorite roles was that of a grandparent. He loved spending time with his grandchildren to whom he passed down his love for card games, fishing, playing outdoors, and practical jokes. Morry had a special love for his grandkids, and they thought the world of him.

Morry will be remembered by all for his kind and gentle heart.

Morry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Phyllis Witter; brother Rich (Alice) Witter, sister Gloria (Don) Wegman, children Lori (Mike) Boer, Jill (Brad) Graham, Lisa (Marty) Robbin, Julie Witter, stepchildren Tami Simmons, Shari (Todd) Brakke, David Johnson, Angie (Mark) Herzog, and Darren Johnson. Grandchildren, Ashley Gonder, Natalie Gonder, Amanda Graham, Allison (James) Harrison, Chris (Hannah) Robbins, Jeremiah Simmons, Ben (Kaitie) Brakke, Noah Brakke, Anna (Ben) Norman, Sara (Marcus) Brakke, Braeden Johnson, Alex Johnson, Calla Johnson, Claire Herzog, Rachel Herzog, Emily Herzog, and Olivia Herzog, Matthew Johnson, Aksel Johnson, Henrick Johnson, Dagny Johnson, and 12 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ebbie and Olive, and his sister, Karen.

A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester, Minnesota.

A special thank you to Mayo Hospice and the care at Shorewood Assisted Living.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Witter family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.