In Loving Memory of
Christopher Robert Witcraft
Sunrise: May 23, 1968
Sunset: November 21, 2013
Christopher was born on May 23, 1968 at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, only son of Robert and Delores (Kleven) Witcraft.
Christopher (Chris) Robert Witcraft age 45, Sarasota Florida, formerly of Arkdale, Wisconsin entered eternal rest with his Lord and Savior (and his father) on November 21, 2013 at his home in Sarasota, Florida.
Chris came from a large extended family, and he set out early to leave his mark on this world. He was a very proud man who loved his family more than anything that life had to offer him. For Chris the act of living was about being the best son, brother, father and friend that he knew how to be. His love for them showed through his actions over the years. He touched the lives of those who knew him with his unique sense of humor, and strong work ethic.
Chris attended Roche-A-Cri grade school and graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1986. He attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, Wisconsin 1986-1988. While in high school he played football, basketball, and baseball. He was a 10 year member of Adams County 4-H achieving many county and state awards. He moved to Sarasota Florida in 1988 – worked as an electrician and later property management.
Devoted father, committed to his daughter, Kayla Lynn. His prime interest in life. He loved being a father and watching his daughter grow up. Chris was a friend to all. Always lending a hand to help someone in need. He and his father had a strong and loving relationship. Tenants had a great respect for him.
Chris had an intense interest in sports. Loyal Green Bay Packer and Wisconsin Badger football fan. He loved to fish, hunt, snowmobile and ski. He also enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends.
He will be greatly missed by his daughter Kayla Lynn, Sarasota, FL. Mother Dee Witcraft, Omro, WI. Sister and brother-in-law, Carrie and Andrew Hankes, Omro, WI. Sister and brother-in-law Cammie and Tom Jaekel, Coon Valley, WI. Niece Alycia Hankes, Eau Claire, WI. Nephews Colten and Dylan Jaekel, Coon Valley, WI and many foster brothers and sisters, aunt and uncles and cousins.
Chistopher was preceded in death by his father Robert Leroy Witcraft (March 2013). Grandparents Marvin and Reubena (Winchester) Kleven. Ted and Helen Witcraft, uncles Marvin, Donald and Kenneth Kleven and Fred Witcraft.
Chris worked long and hard to get what he wanted out of life, but the only thing that he ever really needed was the love and respect of his family … for his efforts to be appreciated. In the end, he knew that all of his efforts had not been in vain. You are and forever will be appreciated Chris. May you rest in peace …
Tears
Now that I close my eyes for the last time, I no longer see the light of day …
But I still envision a bright future that has only just begun.
One journey ends only for the sake of starting another,
And I do not shed a tear at the end.
Tears are not necessary; for I am happy … as my next journey begins!
Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 28th, 2013 at Arkdale Trinity Lutheran Church. Friends may call at the church from 12 Noon until the time of service.
Thank you to the following individuals for their kind support:
Carol and Gale Gohlke
Gendron Funeral Home, Sarasota, FL
Jerrilyn (Jerri) Donley
Chris and Claudia Gorder
Greg Gohlke
Terry Jo Gohlke
Roseberry Funeral Home, Friendship, WI
Pastor Terri Skildum, Trinity Lutheran Church, Arkdale, WI
Dear Kayla,
My prayers are with you and your family. May God be your strength. Your Dad shouting “pay me,” will be missed.
With Love,
Kathy Klein
Dee, Carrie, and Cammie,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I ask God to help me thru hard times in my life. I will ask God to help you and your family cope during this most sad time.
Dee, Carrie and Cammie, It is so hard to think of something to say about someone we have known all of our lives and shared so much with. We have so many special memories as we know you do to. May the LORD comfort you and help guide you through this time. With Love, The Marti’s
so sorry to hear this Dee my deepest sympathies from me and my family to yours
Dave , Wendy and Emily
Chris was a great guy, always had a smile on his face. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed. May God be with you all during this difficult time and remember, his memory will always be alive in your hearts. God bless
Dearest Dee,
We were so sorry to hear of this sad news. We shouldn’t have to experience the loss of a child, but know, that our hearts and prayers are with you, at this time. May the love of family and friends, help to carry you through this difficult time. He left behind his great love of life, and pleasant memories, and thoughts, to all who knew him…..know that your are being carried by the love of your friends at this difficult season,…..( your are dealing with)…….Love,..your friends,…Rahm and Mary
Dearest Dee, We are so saddened for the loss of your dear son. We shouldn’t have to experience such a loss, but know that your are in our thoughts and prayers, for your loss. He touched a lot of lives, and left a nice memory for all who knew him. God Bless you, our dear friend.
Dee, Carrie & family & Cammie & family: I am so sadden to read about Christopher. Please know that our deepest sympathy goes out to you all at this most difficult time. Treasure all the memories as they will help you get through.
My deepest sympathy to all the family. Chris and I became good friends early in life. I remember our families Japanese foreign exchange students, many games of 4-H softball and countless other great times. My heart goes out to all of the family. my god help you through this rough time. Love you all.
To the Family, sorry to hear the sad news. Had some good times with Chris growing up. He was a good man and had a lot to offer. My condolences to the family. I know he will be missed. Prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with Chris’s entire family.
Carrie and Family/ies: I am so, so sorry to learn of Chris’s death. I recall him at Roche-A-cri, sitting with him and you on Mr. Marti’s bus. I finally found him on the Internet and spoke with him on and off. Such a shock! I sincerely pray for you and your family’s peace and comfort in this time. Indeed, our hearts are saddened by this loss.
So sorry for your loss, Chris was an amazing man. Remember the good times, and celebrate his life as he would want you to do.
We are so sorry to hear about Chris. I can remember him coming into 3J’s as a little guy and filling up a bag of penny candy…his eyes were so bright and he had a impish smile! Those qualities stayed with him all his life and he touched a lot of lives. May your memories keep him close and give you comfort. God’s peace-
Dee, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May our Lord be with you now and always.
to the Witcraft family and extended family I have known Chris all my life and he will be so deeply missed. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Dee, Carrie and Family and Cammie and family – My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time. May you all be in peace knowing the journey here on this earth may have ended, but his eternal life with the Lord continues on. God bless you all.
Dee and family, You are all in my prayers during this difficult time. Chris is now once again with his father watching over all of you. May God’s love help you through this difficult time. Blessings, Ginny
Chris was a kid that gave a true 100%. He was so full of passion and energy, you never knew what was going to happen. Although I did not stay connected to Chris, he did make an impact on my life and I am sure many others… he was like the “RUDY” at AF. My thoughts and prayers are wtih him and his family.
Our deepest sympathies to your entire family. Thoughts & prayers during this difficult time. He will be missed by all who knew him!
Dee and Chris’s Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God Bless.
Aunt Dee and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. My God speed your healing to know he is in his arms now. Prayers are with you all.
Dee and Family, Am so sorry for your loss. At a time like this, little can be said, to ease the pain. Am praying for the Lord’s comfort and His peace.
Dear Dee and family
So sorry to hear of the loss of your son Chris……….may God hold you close and give you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and my heart goes out to you. Pat Gervais (former aide of H.H.)
I’m sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray GOD get you through this and grant you peace and comfort.
I am so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing. He will be missed.
I’m so glad I got to see Chris one more time at our class reunion. I will remember him always with his genuine smile!
My deepest condolences to Chris’s entire family. He touched the lives of everyone he ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dee, Carrie & family, Cammie & family: My sincere condolences to all–heard it at church yesterday. I feel so sad for you all, but after I read the Memorial Tribute, I think of all of Chris’s accomplishments in 45 years & his love for his daughter & family & friends–you certainly have many many wonderful & positive memories to cherish. I can’t help but think of what a rascal he could be when I first used to cut his hair–wouldn’t put that damn “Comic-book” down for nothin’! But that was the spunk in him & I’m sure that is how he got where he did! And I love those memories–God rest his soul–he’s now with his Dad. Love & “God’s Peace” to you all, Lloyd.
Carrie and Family. So sorry for your loss. Prayers, light and love.
Dee, im very sorry to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
So sorry to hear of Chris’s death. There is nothing more heart breaking to a Mother than the loss of a child, no matter what the age. My heart goes out to you Dee and the rest of the family. God Bless each of you at this time.
Dee and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time. Margaret
Oh, Dee…..I’m so sorry to read this. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Condolences to your extended family. May God bless all of you with good memories.
May God, family and friends comfort you during this difficult time. we are so sorry on your loss. hold each other close and share you memories.
My thoughts and prayers are with. May God grant peace.
Dee and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you in this difficult time. My sincere condolences Barb