Gary Witt

    Gary Bernard Witt, 71, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away of natural causes on February 15th, 2023. Gary was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. The family will greet friends at the Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel in Nampa on Wednesday, March 1st from 5 to 8 p.m., for a visitation. In the same place, a service and reception to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, March 2nd, at 9:30 a.m. A procession to the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery will follow with a graveside committal at 1 p.m.

    Gary was born in Reed City, MI on April 7th, 1951. The first-born son and fourth oldest of eight children, to Bernard and Frances Witt. He was raised in Michigan where his son, Gary Lee, was born in 1970 to Renee (Basnaw) Witt. Gary served in the U.S. Army from 1971 to 1973. He strongly disliked the cold weather of Michigan and loved year-round sunny skies, which took him to California for nearly 20 years. He married a longtime friend, Margie (Clawges) Potter, and to this union was born their first daughter Harmony in 1988. Then in 1990 they moved to Idaho where Gary’s parents and several siblings lived. Gary’s daughter Carly was born in 1995 and the two sisters grew up together in the family home. Gary went on to marry the love of his life Jody (Roe) Witt in 2003.

    Gary had a brilliant mind. He was gifted, talented, and had inherent wisdom. It has been said he was a mechanical genius. He could repair or build anything he wanted or needed. He worked at Amalgamated Sugar Company in Nampa for a few years, and then retired from STRATA in Boise after 26 years. In his file stated: “Gary was extremely committed to STRATA’s success. He always gave his position the utmost commitment. He was a dedicated employee. Once assigned a task, he took it upon himself to ensure that it was completed to the best of his knowledge. He followed up with others to guarantee a quality product was produced.” He last served as their Maintenance Technician. He gave his all into everything he did and never settled for less than the best. 

    Some of Gary’s favorite hobbies included boating- fishing and water skiing, as well as teaching others how to ski, camping and hunting morel mushrooms. His family’s vacation spot was Lagoon Amusement Park that he enjoyed taking his daughters to every summer. In the later years, he and his late wife ventured to Hawaii many times to visit his son. During the down times, Gary loved blasting his favorite music from the surround sound, firing up the grill, or relaxing in his recliner with some ice cream to watch a movie.

    Although he had an exterior of tough love, Gary had a huge heart for helping others. He loved seeing people succeed and was quick to lend a helping hand. In fact, many would agree that he was the first person they called when something went wrong. His unique sense of humor and stories of the past always led to memorable conversations. Gary impacted the lives of many and will forever be missed.

    Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Jody Witt, and his parents, Bernard and Frances Witt. He is survived by his children, Gary Lee (Khemintra) Witt, Carlsbad, NM, Harmony (Robert) Bales, Caldwell, ID, and Carly Witt (Michael Boere), Kuna, ID; five grandchildren, Jerry, Terry, Tyson, Carter, and Thomas; siblings Ethel (Jim) Heagle, Belmont, MI; Marilyn (Larry) Sweeney and Barbara (Ron) LeBaron, both of Nampa, ID; Paul (Caroline) Witt and Jeanette Kramer, both of AZ; Janice (Roderic) Werlé and Joyce (Steve) Rutherford, both of Boise, ID; and 16 nieces and nephews.

    Memorial contributions can be made to Alsip & Persons Funeral Chapel.

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