Dr. David Witte, 74, of South Haven, died at his home, Thursday, Dec 28, 2006, after a 10 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born Aug 20, 1932 in Toledo, Ohio, to Lloyd and Althea (Phillips) Witte.

He attended high school in Bowling Green, Ohio, where he met and married Jane Lance on March 20, 1951.

He began his college education at Bowling Green State University, transferred to Ohio State and received his medical degree from University of Michigan in 1958.

His first years of practice were in Traverse City and Buchanan before moving to South Haven in 1961. David served the community as a family physician for nearly 40 years. He was the first physician in South Haven to be certified by the American Board of Family Practice.

David was a quiet man of great faith. For most of his adult life he was a member of St. Paul's Lautheran Church in South Haven. His children all attended the church's school and served on many boards and committees there over the years. He loved music and enjoyed singing in the choir. At the time of his death, he attended Trinity Lutheran of Bangor, where he was also a faithful and active member. His love of God's Word and his faith in his Savior provided the cornerstone upon which he built his life.

He is preceded in death, along with his parents, by a brother, Phillip Witte, and a grandson, Russel Buck in 2006.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Witte of South Haven; five children: Valarie(Rod) Sievers of South Haven, Sharon (Drew) Buck of New Ulm, Minnesota, Steve and (Mary) Witte of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Dan and (Debi) Witte of Crete, Illinos, and Margaret (Jay) Witte Cowell of Watervliet; 12 grandchildren; and one brother, Michael (Sherry) Witte of Bastrop, Texas.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Jan 2 from 5-8pm at the Filbrandt Funeral Home. Memorial services will be Wednesday at 11am at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bangor, with Pastor Joshua Becker and Pastor William Balza officiating. Burial will take place in Oak Grove Cemetery, Bowling Green, Ohio..Memorial contibutions can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the St. Paul Church Organ Fund.