Leland Charles Witte, 18 Mar 1944 - 21 Mar 2025

WITTE, MULLNIX, GOODRICH, KELCH, COPE, BRAYNARD, DAVIS, SANDERS, SIDERS, HERMANSTORFER

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 3/26/2025 at 15:21:39

Leland C. Witte, 81, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, with his wife and stepsons by his side.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm, on Saturday, May 10, 2025 in the Reception Hall at Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service.Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Sherrie Witte and mailed in care of Cox-Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, PO Box 163, Grinnell, Iowa 50112.

Leland Charles Witte was born on March 18, 1944, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. His parents were mother, Merwin Grace Mullnix Witte and father, Millard Arthur Witte and brought him home to five brothers and one sister.

Leland grew up on a farm east of Williamsburg. One more sister came along. He attended Immanuel Lutheran Church and School with a group of lifetime friends. Later, going to Williamsburg High School, graduating with the class of 1962.

On December 18, 1964, Leland enlisted into the Army. He was honorably discharged November 30, 1970. Leland was united in marriage to Linda Kelch on July 1, 1967. They lived in Williamsburg and were blessed with three children; Troy, Terri and Tony. The couple were later divorced.

Leland worked at Amana Feed Mill for several years and then was hired at Amana Builders. He was a great carpenter there for decades. He loved his work and co-workers. That’s where he met Sherrie Goodrich, who worked in the Amana Decorating Center. On November 3, 1995, Leland and Sherrie were united in marriage. Leland was a wonderful stepdad to Sherrie’s three boys, Nick, Ben and Gabe Goodrich.

When Amana Builders were heading towards closing, Leland started working at Wendler Engineering doing carpentry work. Over the years he built many homes, condos, a bank in Marengo and many remodels. Leland retired in 2007. Leland and Sherrie lived in High Amana, Belle Plaine, Holiday Lake, Brooklyn and Grinnell.

Leland enjoyed pheasant hunting with family and friends. He was an avid fisherman most of his life. He loved going to Canada and Red Wing, fishing with family and friends. Leech Lake, Minnesota was a favorite vacation spot with Sherrie and her boys. Leland and Sherrie had some great trips with family and friends to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and Colorado were their favorites. He loved walking the two family pups; Murphy and Harley, making friends along the way

He is survived by his wife, Sherrie of 30 years; son, Troy (Vikki) Witte in West Plains, Missouri, their daughter, Paris (Matt) Cope and their daughter Pace, daughter, Terri (Shane) Braynard of West Plains, Missouri, their daughter, Autumn (Chance) Davis and their son, Brooks and a daughter due in April; son, Tony (Staretta) Witte of Piedmont, Oklahoma and their sons, Eiljah, Kaleb and Asher. Also surviving are his stepsons, Nick (Tabatha) Goodrich of LeGrand, Iowa and their children; Autumn Goodrich and boyfriend TJ and their children Gavin and Gracie; stepson, Ben (Samantha) Goodrich of Grinnell, and their children, Sheldyn, Jett and Beau; stepson, Gabe (Shawn) Goodrich of Grinnell and their daughters, Bevin and Brynlee. He absolutely loved every minute with his children, grands and great grands. Also those left to remember him are his brothers; Kenneth (Sarah) Witte of Williamsburg and Lloyd (Sandra) Witte of Iowa City; sister, Sandra (Gene) Sanders of Iowa City; sister-in-law, Shirley Witte of Colorado; his many, many friends and family members.

Leland was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eugene (Delores) Witte, Wayne Witte, Loren Witte; sister, Shirley Siders; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Helen and Harry Hermanstorfer; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lenda and Larry Hermanstorfer.

Published on Cox-Smith Funeral Home website.