Allan “Al” “Buck” Witte

Allan “Al” “Buck” Witte died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Allan was born in Quincy on October 14, 1934 to Arthur F. and Katherine Hagen Witte. He married his high school sweetheart Mary Ellis on January 16, 1954.

Allan graduated from Quincy High School in 1952. He served eight years in the United States Naval Reserve. Allan worked 30 years at Gardner Denver Company. He later served several years on the Adams County Board and was Adams County Treasurer from 1993 until 2001. He was proud to carry on his Father’s legacy of serving in public office.

Buck’s greatest love was his family. He and Mary are survived by two children, Fred (JoAnn) Witte of Quincy and Wanda (Michael) McNeil of New Berlin, Wisconsin. He enjoyed antique cars, woodworking, St Louis Cardinals baseball, Quincy University basketball and his secondary home, his camp known as Did-Wah-Diddy. On the last full day of his life, he was able to drive himself to and from his camp. Buck had one rule at camp and that was “cocktail hour” started at 2:30 pm give or take.

Allan is survived by his wife Mary and their two children as well as a sister, Dorothy M. Spurgeon of Urbana, Illinois. He has five grandchildren: Adam (Katie) McNeil, Dan (Claire) McNeil, Matthew (Allie) Witte, Hannah (Connor) Cramsey and Andrew Witte. He was also blessed to have five great grandchildren: Emma, Evie, Laura, and James McNeil, and Calvin Cramsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents and in-laws, Bert and Dorothy Ellis, a brother and sister-in-law Arthur C. and Wilma Witte, as well as a brother-in-law Marion Spurgeon. He also was preceded by nephews Andrew Scott Witte and Chuck Spurgeon.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022 between 4:00 and 6:00 pm at the Duker Haugh Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Duker Haugh on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 10:00 am. Memorials can be made to the Gene Grawe Fund.

90 Comments

  1. Lisa Rapp on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and Family. I just learned of Al’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Al was one of the most special people in my younger life and I was so honored to have known him and call him my friend. I will always remember his great sense of humor and kind heart. He truly was one of a kind. Al will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Rapp

  2. Jan Schroder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred, you’re Dad was my boss in the VC Department at Gardner Denver Company. He would get so upset with me, when I was nowhere to be found. One day he “verbally” shouted Schroder I want you’re NAME ON THE FLOOR as to find me when needed. I got a piece of chalk & carved my name on the factory floor that day. Needless to say, he didn’t think that was very funny. All in all I liked Buck Witte. May God lift you up in this difficult time.

  3. Thomas Arnold on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Just seeing Buck put a smile on my face! I so enjoyed what little we spent during and after the softball games he and Mary attended.
    Thanks Buck for touching my life!

  4. Mark A Schuering on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Rest in Peace Al and thoughts and prayers to Mary and the Witte Family.

  5. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and family –

    Our sympathy to you.

  6. Sandra M. Taylor on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Bill and I got a telephone message Monday morning from Sharon Mock with the sad news of Al’s passing. He had a long and good life with a great family.

  7. Teresa Paben on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and family, So sorry for your loss!! Al will be greatly missed!

  8. Jay Grawe on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Buck was a super guy and he is now with Jesus. Peace to all of you as you remember all the good times.

  9. Cindy Duesterhaus Frerick on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred, JoAnn and family, our condolences on the loss of your Dad and grandfather. I’m sure he was very proud of the family you have built to carry on the Witte legacy. Ken and Cindy

  10. Michael McClain on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was a wonderful person. He was a strong democrat but realized that sometimes they were wrong too. Al was a solid public servant. He got the job done. He loved “old” cars. He loved life. He loved his Family above all things. His character and voice will be missed. God bless you Mary and the Family. Mike McClain

  11. Mary (Mahair) & Jim Fuller on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary , Fred & Wanda, We are so sorry to hear of Buck;s passing. He was one of kind. So many fond memories of him and my folks. Prayers for all

  12. Dick Wentura on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Dear Witte Family,
    Buck worked for us for a couple of years after his earlier retirement. He was an avid Adams County historian. He and I visited almost every old cemetery in this area. We enjoyed spending time together. He was articulate and a devoted political man. Just a couple of months ago Pat & I paid him a visit at his beloved Did-Wah-Diddy. We rekindled our relationship within the last year and are so happy we were able to do that. Rest in peace, friend.

  13. Gwen Wesselman on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred and family, Sending our sympathy during this difficult time. Prayers for comfort and peace. Gwen,Lola,and Brad

  14. David & Lisa Gasko on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was such a great man, we all loved him so much. We always had such a good time visiting him and Mary. We are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives. Rest in Peace our friend. We love you.

  15. Rosa on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was a great neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Mary and the entire Witte Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Rosa, Ryan, Michelle and Joshua

  16. William Blake on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary, I just got a shock seeing online that Al passed away. I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed being around him. We had a lot of fun back in my Quincy days. As you may know we have been “bantering” back and forth about crime in Baylis and Quincy. In fact I have been looking for a good response to his last note. My heart goes out to you! Sincerely, Bill Blake

  17. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Our sympathy to the family.

  18. Carol on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Wanda and family so sorry to hear about your dads passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  19. Lisa Rapp on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and Family. I just learned of Al’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Al was one of the most special people in my younger life and I was so honored to have known him and call him my friend. I will always remember his great sense of humor and kind heart. He truly was one of a kind. Al will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Rapp

  20. Jan Schroder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred, you’re Dad was my boss in the VC Department at Gardner Denver Company. He would get so upset with me, when I was nowhere to be found. One day he “verbally” shouted Schroder I want you’re NAME ON THE FLOOR as to find me when needed. I got a piece of chalk & carved my name on the factory floor that day. Needless to say, he didn’t think that was very funny. All in all I liked Buck Witte. May God lift you up in this difficult time.

  21. Thomas Arnold on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Just seeing Buck put a smile on my face! I so enjoyed what little we spent during and after the softball games he and Mary attended.
    Thanks Buck for touching my life!

  22. Mark A Schuering on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Rest in Peace Al and thoughts and prayers to Mary and the Witte Family.

  23. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and family –

    Our sympathy to you.

  24. Sandra M. Taylor on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Bill and I got a telephone message Monday morning from Sharon Mock with the sad news of Al’s passing. He had a long and good life with a great family.

  25. Teresa Paben on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and family, So sorry for your loss!! Al will be greatly missed!

  26. Jay Grawe on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Buck was a super guy and he is now with Jesus. Peace to all of you as you remember all the good times.

  27. Cindy Duesterhaus Frerick on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred, JoAnn and family, our condolences on the loss of your Dad and grandfather. I’m sure he was very proud of the family you have built to carry on the Witte legacy. Ken and Cindy

  28. Michael McClain on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was a wonderful person. He was a strong democrat but realized that sometimes they were wrong too. Al was a solid public servant. He got the job done. He loved “old” cars. He loved life. He loved his Family above all things. His character and voice will be missed. God bless you Mary and the Family. Mike McClain

  29. Mary (Mahair) & Jim Fuller on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary , Fred & Wanda, We are so sorry to hear of Buck;s passing. He was one of kind. So many fond memories of him and my folks. Prayers for all

  30. Dick Wentura on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Dear Witte Family,
    Buck worked for us for a couple of years after his earlier retirement. He was an avid Adams County historian. He and I visited almost every old cemetery in this area. We enjoyed spending time together. He was articulate and a devoted political man. Just a couple of months ago Pat & I paid him a visit at his beloved Did-Wah-Diddy. We rekindled our relationship within the last year and are so happy we were able to do that. Rest in peace, friend.

  31. Gwen Wesselman on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred and family, Sending our sympathy during this difficult time. Prayers for comfort and peace. Gwen,Lola,and Brad

  32. David & Lisa Gasko on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was such a great man, we all loved him so much. We always had such a good time visiting him and Mary. We are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives. Rest in Peace our friend. We love you.

  33. Rosa on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was a great neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Mary and the entire Witte Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Rosa, Ryan, Michelle and Joshua

  34. William Blake on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary, I just got a shock seeing online that Al passed away. I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed being around him. We had a lot of fun back in my Quincy days. As you may know we have been “bantering” back and forth about crime in Baylis and Quincy. In fact I have been looking for a good response to his last note. My heart goes out to you! Sincerely, Bill Blake

  35. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Our sympathy to the family.

  36. Carol on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Wanda and family so sorry to hear about your dads passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  37. Lisa Rapp on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and Family. I just learned of Al’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Al was one of the most special people in my younger life and I was so honored to have known him and call him my friend. I will always remember his great sense of humor and kind heart. He truly was one of a kind. Al will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Rapp

  38. Jan Schroder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred, you’re Dad was my boss in the VC Department at Gardner Denver Company. He would get so upset with me, when I was nowhere to be found. One day he “verbally” shouted Schroder I want you’re NAME ON THE FLOOR as to find me when needed. I got a piece of chalk & carved my name on the factory floor that day. Needless to say, he didn’t think that was very funny. All in all I liked Buck Witte. May God lift you up in this difficult time.

  39. Thomas Arnold on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Just seeing Buck put a smile on my face! I so enjoyed what little we spent during and after the softball games he and Mary attended.
    Thanks Buck for touching my life!

  40. Mark A Schuering on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Rest in Peace Al and thoughts and prayers to Mary and the Witte Family.

  41. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and family –

    Our sympathy to you.

  42. Sandra M. Taylor on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Bill and I got a telephone message Monday morning from Sharon Mock with the sad news of Al’s passing. He had a long and good life with a great family.

  43. Teresa Paben on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary and family, So sorry for your loss!! Al will be greatly missed!

  44. Jay Grawe on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Buck was a super guy and he is now with Jesus. Peace to all of you as you remember all the good times.

  45. Cindy Duesterhaus Frerick on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred, JoAnn and family, our condolences on the loss of your Dad and grandfather. I’m sure he was very proud of the family you have built to carry on the Witte legacy. Ken and Cindy

  46. Michael McClain on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was a wonderful person. He was a strong democrat but realized that sometimes they were wrong too. Al was a solid public servant. He got the job done. He loved “old” cars. He loved life. He loved his Family above all things. His character and voice will be missed. God bless you Mary and the Family. Mike McClain

  47. Mary (Mahair) & Jim Fuller on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary , Fred & Wanda, We are so sorry to hear of Buck;s passing. He was one of kind. So many fond memories of him and my folks. Prayers for all

  48. Dick Wentura on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Dear Witte Family,
    Buck worked for us for a couple of years after his earlier retirement. He was an avid Adams County historian. He and I visited almost every old cemetery in this area. We enjoyed spending time together. He was articulate and a devoted political man. Just a couple of months ago Pat & I paid him a visit at his beloved Did-Wah-Diddy. We rekindled our relationship within the last year and are so happy we were able to do that. Rest in peace, friend.

  49. Gwen Wesselman on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Fred and family, Sending our sympathy during this difficult time. Prayers for comfort and peace. Gwen,Lola,and Brad

  50. David & Lisa Gasko on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was such a great man, we all loved him so much. We always had such a good time visiting him and Mary. We are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives. Rest in Peace our friend. We love you.

  51. Rosa on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Al was a great neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Mary and the entire Witte Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Rosa, Ryan, Michelle and Joshua

  52. William Blake on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Mary, I just got a shock seeing online that Al passed away. I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed being around him. We had a lot of fun back in my Quincy days. As you may know we have been “bantering” back and forth about crime in Baylis and Quincy. In fact I have been looking for a good response to his last note. My heart goes out to you! Sincerely, Bill Blake

  53. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Our sympathy to the family.

  54. Carol on November 16, 2022 at 9:53 am

    Wanda and family so sorry to hear about your dads passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  55. Lisa Rapp on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary and Family. I just learned of Al’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Al was one of the most special people in my younger life and I was so honored to have known him and call him my friend. I will always remember his great sense of humor and kind heart. He truly was one of a kind. Al will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Rapp

  56. Jan Schroder on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Fred, you’re Dad was my boss in the VC Department at Gardner Denver Company. He would get so upset with me, when I was nowhere to be found. One day he “verbally” shouted Schroder I want you’re NAME ON THE FLOOR as to find me when needed. I got a piece of chalk & carved my name on the factory floor that day. Needless to say, he didn’t think that was very funny. All in all I liked Buck Witte. May God lift you up in this difficult time.

  57. Thomas Arnold on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Just seeing Buck put a smile on my face! I so enjoyed what little we spent during and after the softball games he and Mary attended.
    Thanks Buck for touching my life!

  58. Mark A Schuering on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Rest in Peace Al and thoughts and prayers to Mary and the Witte Family.

  59. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary and family –

    Our sympathy to you.

  60. Sandra M. Taylor on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Bill and I got a telephone message Monday morning from Sharon Mock with the sad news of Al’s passing. He had a long and good life with a great family.

  61. Teresa Paben on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary and family, So sorry for your loss!! Al will be greatly missed!

  62. Jay Grawe on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Buck was a super guy and he is now with Jesus. Peace to all of you as you remember all the good times.

  63. Cindy Duesterhaus Frerick on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Fred, JoAnn and family, our condolences on the loss of your Dad and grandfather. I’m sure he was very proud of the family you have built to carry on the Witte legacy. Ken and Cindy

  64. Michael McClain on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Al was a wonderful person. He was a strong democrat but realized that sometimes they were wrong too. Al was a solid public servant. He got the job done. He loved “old” cars. He loved life. He loved his Family above all things. His character and voice will be missed. God bless you Mary and the Family. Mike McClain

  65. Mary (Mahair) & Jim Fuller on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary , Fred & Wanda, We are so sorry to hear of Buck;s passing. He was one of kind. So many fond memories of him and my folks. Prayers for all

  66. Dick Wentura on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Dear Witte Family,
    Buck worked for us for a couple of years after his earlier retirement. He was an avid Adams County historian. He and I visited almost every old cemetery in this area. We enjoyed spending time together. He was articulate and a devoted political man. Just a couple of months ago Pat & I paid him a visit at his beloved Did-Wah-Diddy. We rekindled our relationship within the last year and are so happy we were able to do that. Rest in peace, friend.

  67. Gwen Wesselman on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Fred and family, Sending our sympathy during this difficult time. Prayers for comfort and peace. Gwen,Lola,and Brad

  68. David & Lisa Gasko on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Al was such a great man, we all loved him so much. We always had such a good time visiting him and Mary. We are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives. Rest in Peace our friend. We love you.

  69. Rosa on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Al was a great neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Mary and the entire Witte Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Rosa, Ryan, Michelle and Joshua

  70. William Blake on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary, I just got a shock seeing online that Al passed away. I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed being around him. We had a lot of fun back in my Quincy days. As you may know we have been “bantering” back and forth about crime in Baylis and Quincy. In fact I have been looking for a good response to his last note. My heart goes out to you! Sincerely, Bill Blake

  71. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Our sympathy to the family.

  72. Carol on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Wanda and family so sorry to hear about your dads passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  73. Lisa Rapp on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary and Family. I just learned of Al’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Al was one of the most special people in my younger life and I was so honored to have known him and call him my friend. I will always remember his great sense of humor and kind heart. He truly was one of a kind. Al will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lisa Rapp

  74. Jan Schroder on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Fred, you’re Dad was my boss in the VC Department at Gardner Denver Company. He would get so upset with me, when I was nowhere to be found. One day he “verbally” shouted Schroder I want you’re NAME ON THE FLOOR as to find me when needed. I got a piece of chalk & carved my name on the factory floor that day. Needless to say, he didn’t think that was very funny. All in all I liked Buck Witte. May God lift you up in this difficult time.

  75. Thomas Arnold on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Just seeing Buck put a smile on my face! I so enjoyed what little we spent during and after the softball games he and Mary attended.
    Thanks Buck for touching my life!

  76. Mark A Schuering on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Rest in Peace Al and thoughts and prayers to Mary and the Witte Family.

  77. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary and family –

    Our sympathy to you.

  78. Sandra M. Taylor on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Bill and I got a telephone message Monday morning from Sharon Mock with the sad news of Al’s passing. He had a long and good life with a great family.

  79. Teresa Paben on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary and family, So sorry for your loss!! Al will be greatly missed!

  80. Jay Grawe on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Buck was a super guy and he is now with Jesus. Peace to all of you as you remember all the good times.

  81. Cindy Duesterhaus Frerick on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Fred, JoAnn and family, our condolences on the loss of your Dad and grandfather. I’m sure he was very proud of the family you have built to carry on the Witte legacy. Ken and Cindy

  82. Michael McClain on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Al was a wonderful person. He was a strong democrat but realized that sometimes they were wrong too. Al was a solid public servant. He got the job done. He loved “old” cars. He loved life. He loved his Family above all things. His character and voice will be missed. God bless you Mary and the Family. Mike McClain

  83. Mary (Mahair) & Jim Fuller on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary , Fred & Wanda, We are so sorry to hear of Buck;s passing. He was one of kind. So many fond memories of him and my folks. Prayers for all

  84. Dick Wentura on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Dear Witte Family,
    Buck worked for us for a couple of years after his earlier retirement. He was an avid Adams County historian. He and I visited almost every old cemetery in this area. We enjoyed spending time together. He was articulate and a devoted political man. Just a couple of months ago Pat & I paid him a visit at his beloved Did-Wah-Diddy. We rekindled our relationship within the last year and are so happy we were able to do that. Rest in peace, friend.

  85. Gwen Wesselman on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Fred and family, Sending our sympathy during this difficult time. Prayers for comfort and peace. Gwen,Lola,and Brad

  86. David & Lisa Gasko on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Al was such a great man, we all loved him so much. We always had such a good time visiting him and Mary. We are forever grateful that he was a part of our lives. Rest in Peace our friend. We love you.

  87. Rosa on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Al was a great neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Mary and the entire Witte Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Rosa, Ryan, Michelle and Joshua

  88. William Blake on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Mary, I just got a shock seeing online that Al passed away. I am very sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed being around him. We had a lot of fun back in my Quincy days. As you may know we have been “bantering” back and forth about crime in Baylis and Quincy. In fact I have been looking for a good response to his last note. My heart goes out to you! Sincerely, Bill Blake

  89. Larry and Linda Snyder on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Our sympathy to the family.

  90. Carol on November 16, 2022 at 9:54 am

    Wanda and family so sorry to hear about your dads passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

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