Howard Lee Witte

Howard Lee Witte, 89, of Rhineland, Mo., passed away Monday, March 22, 2021, at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, Mo. Howard was born in Jonesburg, Mo. on March 2, 1932, the son of the late Fred Christian and Lillian Mae (Phillips) Witte. Howard was united in marriage to Virginia Maxine Wiss on October 12, 1950, in St. Louis, Mo. To this union 13 children were born. Howard and Maxine shared over 70 wonderful years of marriage together. Howard was a member of Church of the Risen Savior, Rhineland, Mo., the Knights of Columbus, Television Association and National Corvair Club. He was the owner and operator of Witte TV since 1953, from which he never fully retired. Howard is survived by his wife, Maxine Witte of the home; a son, Steve Witte and companion Minnie Humphrey of Fulton, Mo.; a daughter, Janet Cobb and husband Dave of Montgomery City, Mo.; a daughter, Jo Ann Mattingly and husband Dave of Lake St. Louis, Mo.; a son, John Witte and wife Jeanie of Hermann, Mo.; a daughter, Mary Ellen McCleary of Jefferson City, Mo.; a son, Keith Witte and wife Sheila of Hermann, Mo.; a daughter, Linda Ochs and husband Greg of Lee's Summit, Mo.; a son, Brad Witte and wife Susan of Fenton, Mo.; a daughter, Tina Hartzell and husband Scott of Santa Fe, N.M.; a son, Mike Witte and wife Cheryl of Wentzville, Mo.; a son, Tim Witte of Forest Hill, Md.; 30 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, David and Phillip Witte; a daughter-in-law, Debra Witte; a son-in-law, Robert McCleary; two brothers, Harry and Robert Witte; and a half-sister, Ruby Painter. A Funeral Mass was held Thursday, March 25 at Church of the Risen Savior, Rhineland, with Rev. Monsignor Gregory Higley officiating. Burial was at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Rhineland, Mo. Memorials may be given to Autism Speaks, St. Joseph Cemetery or the National Kidney Foundation, c/o Toedtmann and Grosse Funeral Home.