Valeria Witte

Valeria Witte, 91, resident of Munger since 1944, passed away on January 8, 2015 at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center. Valeria was born on August 25, 1923 in Duluth to Isadore and Theadora Dunaiski. Valeria attended Pike Lake School and graduated from Proctor High School in 1942 and married her 4-H sweetheart, James Witte in 1944. They bought their 180 acre dairy farm in 1945 and were successful farmers raising registered Holstein cattle, receiving the top state High Butterfat Award in 1951. They had many wonderful years of dairy farming that ended in 1970 when they retired and began enjoying many fall trips around the states. Jim and Valeria enjoyed a wonderful marriage of 47 years until Jim's death in 1991. Valeria continued to live on the farm and stepped up her volunteering work in nursing homes, community service, and church work. Valeria has been involved with the 4-H for over 50 years as a 4-H leader to the oldest club in St. Louis County, the Maple Grove 4-H Club. For her efforts, she received the Solway Citizen of the Year Award, South St. Louis County Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award, State of Minnesota Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award, Area Agency on Aging Over 60 Award, Solway Centenarian Award, and Grand Marshall in Proctor's Hoghead Parade. She is past president of St. Louis County Promotion Bureau, secretary of the South St. Louis County Fair board, secretary of the Nopeming care center auxiliary, and treasurer of the Solway Fire Department Flamette auxiliary. She belonged to the Birthday Club, Maple Grove Homemakers, Women's Fun Time Camp Committee, Monday Bunch Solway Seniors, Hobby Club, and Class of 42 Lunch Club. Valeria's hobbies also included crocheting, gardening, making hug bears for St. Teresa's Circle at St. Raphael's Church, cooking special treats, and sharing recipes with friends and family. Valeria was preceded in death by her husband, James Witte; parents; brothers, Edward, Raymond and Theodore. She is survived by her brother, Clarence (Beverly) Dunaiski; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Dunaiski and Darlene Dunaiski; many nieces and nephews who loved and adored her, a very special nephew, Paul Dunaiski; and treasured friend, Mary Bush, who lovingly helped and supported her over many years which allowed her to remain independent and live at her beloved farm, and last, but not least, her kitty, Daisy. Visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at St. Raphael's Church. Rev Fr Joseph Sobolik officiating. A luncheon is provided following mass. Burial will be at a later date at Solway Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Solway Township in honor of Valeria to be used for future projects. To sign the guestbook on-line, visit www.wlbfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.