Marleen E. Witte

Marleen Esther Witte, 77, of Largo, Florida, passed away on October 17, 2024, in Fort Pierce, Florida. She was born on July 4, 1947, in Watertown, Wisconsin, to Leonard and Gertrude (Borchardt) Fehrmann.

Marleen’s educational journey began at Immanuel Lutheran School in Lebanon, Wisconsin, followed by Watertown High School, from which she graduated in 1965. She pursued a career in nursing at the Milwaukee Institute of Technology and later attended Brevard Junior College. Marleen earned her Associate of Science degree as a Surgical Technician from St. Petersburg College and went on to obtain certifications as a Certified Surgical Technologist and a Certified First Assistant.

Marleen was an active member of her community. She participated in 4-H for many years, enjoyed bowling with a league until 2001, was a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists, The Florida State Assembly of AST, and was an active member of the Clearwater Depression Glass Club. Her faith was central to her life. Marleen was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Watertown, WI in 1961, and she served at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Largo, where she was a valued member of the Couples Club, participated in Vacation Bible School, was the church plant caretaker, regularly helped with church rummage sale and she had a beautiful voice which she used to sing in the church choir for many years.

Her professional career included positions at Fin N Tail in Watertown, Deaconess Hospital in Milwaukee, Sears in St. Petersburg for 19 years, St. Petersburg Osteopathic Hospital, Metropolitan General/Pinellas Community Hospital for 16 years, Suncoast Hospital (Largo Medical Indian Rocks) for 20 years, Bellair Surgery Center for 4 years, and Largo Medical (HCA Largo Hospital) for 4 years. Marleen also worked as a private scrub for local doctors Dr Lee Shettle, Dr. Dickens, and Dr Richard Short. She retired at age 73 in 2020.

Marleen married James John Witte on September 3, 1967, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents and foster brother, Lewis Johnson. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Smudde (Kevin) and Lynda Spooner (Dean); her granddaughter, Noelle Calhoun (Bennie); her grandsons, Alexander (Alec) Smudde and Sean Smudde; and many relatives and friends.

Marleen will be laid to rest at Pilgrims Rest Cemetery in Lebanon, Wisconsin at 11:00am on Saturday, November 2, 2024.

For those wishing to send flowers, please accept the family's request of no lilies as family members are allergic.

Please consider making a donation to the American Stroke Association, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Largo, FL, or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI.