John Witmer, Sr.

John A. Witmer, Sr., age 79, died Sunday, October 16, 2022 at O.S.F. Saint Anthony Medical Center.  He was born Nov. 1, 1942 in Lanark, IL the son of John H. and Thelma (Schildwachter) Witmer.  He worked as a blacksmith for over 35 years for E.D. Etnyre and Co. in Oregon, IL.  John liked to go fishing and was a Boy Scout leader for Troop # 52 in Oregon for approximately 8 years.  He was predeceased by his parents, 2 brothers Jerry and Don Witmer, grandson Tyler Witmer, and great-granddaughter Natalie White.  He is survived by his children John (Clara) Witmer, Jr. of Roselle, IL; Robert (Lori) Witmer of Freeport, IL; Michael (Sharon) Witmer of South Wayne, WI; Joseph Witmer of Rock Falls, IL, and Carol (Robert) Larson of Beloit, WI; step-brother Larry (Mary Jo) Awbery of Palatine, IL; 12 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren.  Visitation will be held Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 5-7 pm at the Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 South 7th Street in Oregon, IL.  A memorial fund is established in John’s name.