James Wittig

James "Jim" F. Wittig, age 74, of Elk River, MN, died peacefully Sunday, June 18, 2017 at his home.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Kathleen "Kathie" (nee Gustafson); children, Andy (Sarah), Ann (Wayne) Jackson, Abby (John) McNamara, and Amanda (Patrick) Monahan; four grandchildren, Emma Wittig, Dillon and James McNamara, and Madeline Monahan; father-in-law, Burt Gustafson; and brothers and sisters-in-law; Chuck Smith, Bill (Cindy) Gustafson, Mary (Joe) Serama, and Alice (Tom) Wilhelm.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Evelyn (nee Kriwanek); sister, Mary Ziegler Smith; nephew, Nathan Gustafson; brothers-in-law, Perry Ziegler and John Gustafson; and mother-in-law, Alice Gustafson.

Jim and Kathie were married on October 4th, 1980 at Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay, WI. They met at work and continued working together throughout their marriage. As a couple, they enjoyed golf, downhill skiing, raising their children, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and spending time at their family cabin on Chicagoan Lake in Crystal Falls, MI. They shared a competitive nature enjoying regular games of Cribbage, Scrabble, and Gin Rummy.

Jim was an avid and accomplished golfer who shared his love for the game with family and friends. As a young adult he was a member at Shorewood Golf Club in Green Bay. He and Kathie were members at Oneida Golf and Riding Country Club in Green Bay and Prestwick Golf Club in Woodbury, MN.

Jim graduated from Green Bay Preble High School in 1960 and attended Carroll College in Waukesha, WI. He was a donor to Evans Scholars and an active supporter of the Green Bay Optimist Club.

Early on, Jim worked at Wittig Fur Farms then became a manager at the Green Bay Soap Company (which became Anamax). Later, Jim became the President/Owner of Mory Distributing Company Inc., building it into a successful business serving the northeastern Wisconsin restaurant industry. His entrepreneurial spirit led him and Kathie to found a Rosati's Pizza franchise located in Eagan, MN. Jim enjoyed working and most recently employed at Slumberland Furniture.

Visitation 11-1 PM with Memorial Service beginning at 1 PM, Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street South, Cottage Grove, MN, 55016. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.