Karl Edward ("Ed") Witte of Freeport, died Saturday, August 19 in his home. Born May 15, 1943 in Freeport, IL, to Karl Eugene and Georgie (Sutterlin) Witte, Ed graduated from Freeport High School in 1961. After working with his father in heating and sheet metal fabrication, he established Ed Witte Construction, later adding Witte Woodworks, and a sawmill. Ed also spent 20 years as part of the Stephenson County Sheriff's Department Mounted Patrol. Ed enjoyed woodworking and crafting furniture, gardening, listening to music, raising livestock, and sharing a cup of coffee with family and friends. He is survived by sons Justin of Cameron, MO, Sheldon (Jenny) of Camdenton, MO, and Shawn of Freeport, IL; companion Linda Klinger; sister Frances (Roger) Nelson of Muncie, IN; grandchildren Ryne Witte of Springfield, MO; Madison (Kemper) Virtue of Brumley, MO, and Jade Witte of Hollywood, FL; great-grandchildren Lillian, Lauralye, and Valerie all of Brumley, MO; and three generations of nieces and nephews including Sarah (Randy) Vitale of Gilroy, CA, Kiersten Nelson of Anderson, IN, Kendel (Sue) Witte, John (Pam) Witte, Mark (LaneII) Witte, Mary Williams (Greg), and Joe (Connie) Witte, all of Freeport, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Kendel Witte.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday August 26, 2023 at 3 PM, with visitation at 1 PM, at Zion Church of Freeport, 4292 W. Stephenson St. Rd, in Freeport, IL. Pastor Steve Rios will officiate. Interment will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.

Ed had asked that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Zion Church of Freeport, 4292 W. Stephenson St. Rd, Freeport, IL, 61032.