Wilma June (Gibbs) Witte

WILMA JUNE (GIBBS) WITTE

Williamsburg

Wilma June (Gibbs) Witte was born to Will R. and Grace (Couchman) Gibbs on June 26, 1917, on a farm near Earlville, Iowa. She attended school in Earlville and graduated from high school in 1934. For three years, she attended the University of Dubuque and graduated with a B.A. from the University of Iowa in 1938. For three years, she taught school in Blairstown.

On Oct. 21, 1941, she was united in marriage to Melvin H. Witte of Williamsburg, who was a reserve officer in the U.S. Army. Early in 1942, he received his orders for Army duty during World War II. Wilma lived near the Army post where Melvin was stationed. She taught school in Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri and, later on, the U.S. Army School in Linz, Austria, during the occupation.

Following his Army duty, Melvin practiced law in Williamsburg for the rest of his life. Wilma became a full-time homemaker and served her community as president of the Legion Auxiliary, New Century Club, P.E.O., library board and Republican Women. She served the First Presbyterian Church as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, deacon and elder.

Her biography has appeared in "Two Thousand Women of Achievement", "Dictionary of International Biography", "Who's Who of American Women" and "National Social Directory."

Wilma passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, at the Highland Ridge Care Center in Williamsburg at the age of 101.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Sue) Witte of Williamsburg; four grandchildren, Annie, Mitch, Seth and Luke; and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a son, Steven.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Highland Ridge Hope Chapel in Williamsburg from 1 to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed toward Safe Haven of Iowa County. Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Wilma's family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

Wilma's family would like to thank the staff at Highland Ridge for their tender care over the years. We always felt secure in the knowledge that she was receiving the best care possible at each stage of her life.