LeRoy R. Wittmus

On June 3, 2026 LeRoy Wittmus, at age 84, quietly left this life after a series of health issues.

Lee was the son of Virginia and Gordon Wittmus, born as he would say to every medical provider, on “the 10th, the 2nd, 1941.”  He graduated from Lincoln High School and served in the US Army during Vietnam.  He was fond of telling the story of taking a ship to Okinawa, then turning around and coming home because his tour of duty was over.  LeRoy worked as a butcher for his friend and mentor Jerry Wetenkamp for many years, and continued working at Newton Meats and Sausage, then later Griffins Meats in Valders.  He was proud of his skill and the craftsmanship people came to rely on. 

Lee met his wife Karen (Bonk) when they were children and their families lived near one another – when they were old enough and had dated a while, finally he just asked when they were going to make it official.  They were married on September 6, 1969 and settled in Clover to raise their children.  LeRoy was the hard-working, never complaining, always moving quiet fixer for everyone around him.  He didn’t want to draw attention to himself, but was observant and patient – when you needed him, he was there with a smart comment, that grin, and two immense hands backed by the muscles formed from his work, to help in all the ways he could.  

Lee loved puttering around his garage or enjoying time fishing, hunting or golfing, playing sheepshead or watching (and coaching) baseball.  He was sidelined the last few years but turned his gentle chiding to the healthcare workers he encountered, making friends with his blend of humor and true caring.  It is a sure bet he is now laughing with his brothers and brothers in law, trading stories, and finally walking wherever he wants, for as long as he wants.

LeRoy is survived by his wife Karen, son and daughter-in-law Brian and Steph (Rehme), daughter Jodi Brey, grandchildren Eric Brey and his fiancé Steph Watkins, Elizabeth Brey and Kyle Wittmus and his fiancé Kendall Behnke.  He is also survived by three brothers, Wayne, Werner (Nannette) and Dale, as well as two sisters-in-law Judy Bonk and Sherry Walter. He is preceded in death by his parents Virginia and Gordon, his father and mother-in-law Chet and Margaret Bonk, his brothers Gordy and Al Wittmus, his sisters Henrietta Jaeger, Veronica Dehne, and Ordella Pekarske, his brothers-in-law Tom Bonk and John Walter, sister-in-law Kathy Wittmus, and his son-in-law Jim Brey.  The family would like to thank the many healthcare workers who became friends along the way. 

Dad was a man who was quiet in that he never used too many words, but we knew how much he loved mom and us, as well as how proud he was of us because he showed it in his actions.  He taught us patience and grace under pressure, how to throw a ball and shoot straight, grow a garden and build a porch, how to use humor and how to serve others.  He left this life quietly, peacefully – and may he enjoy the rewards of his years well lived.

Per his wishes, there will be only a private family service.  Dad never wanted to be the center of attention – he’d rather we all remember the good times we had with him and smile. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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