Dale H Witzke

Dale H. Witzke age 91 of Bad Axe passed away peacefully Thursday morning, December 4, at Courtney Manor, Bad Axe.

He was born November 9, 1923 at the home of his parents, the late Frederick and Tillie (Henkle) Witzke in Columbia Twp near Gagetown, where he grew up.

He moved to Cleveland, OH, where he enlisted in the US Navy during WW II. He served in the South Pacific on the USS Houston nearly losing his life to Japanese torpedoes. The ship was able to make it back to New York City for repairs. He went out to sea on her one last time before he was discharged in 1946.

While in Brooklyn, he met the love of his life, Ruth L. Krampf. They were married July 16, 1949 in Brooklyn.
The couple moved to the Detroit area where Dale was employed at Ford Motor Company for 30 years, retiring in May of 1980 to their cottage in Lake Twp. that they owned since 1973. In 1996, they moved to a condo in Bad Axe.

Dale was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bad Axe. He enjoyed the out of doors, hunting, fishing and just riding his bicycle. Dale was very handy with his hands and tools and could be found most any time fixing or repairing something for himself or others.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Ruth; his children, Dale Kenneth Witzke of Pontiac, Janice Heckroth of Caseville and James Witzke of Aurora, CO; grandchildren, Chris Heckroth of Clinton Twp. and Nicole (Joe) Leggier of Caseville and a great granddaughter, Angelina Leggier.

Preceding him in death were siblings, Elsie Bohn, Lydia Gettel, Martha Wildman, Rudolph Witzke and Arnold Witzke.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Monday, December 8, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bad Axe. Pastor Kenneth Lueke, will officiate with burial in Riverside Cemetery, Elkton.
Friends may call Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton and at the church after 10 AM Monday.

Memorials may be given to Our Savior Lutheran Church Building Fund and words of condolence may be shared at www.cfcelkton.com.