Austin Wittlief

Austin Lee Wittlief, 91, died Feb. 11 at Lake Vew Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors. Austin was born to Edward and Lilly Wittlief on a farm in Oronoco and was the eldest of five siblings.

He married Luella Mueller in 1943, spent a few years working as a farmer in Moose Lake, then moved to Silver Creek and worked as a well driller for seven years. In his mid-30s he moved to Lyle, where he owned and operated the Gambles-Skogmo’s Store and worked as a plumber while he finished raising his daughter and two sons.

Upon retirement, he built a home in Silver Creek, where his sons then resided and carried on with his first love of hobby farming and especially gardening.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers, Ralph, Randall, Cub, and grandson, Jake Austin Jantzen.

He is survived by his sister, Ruth Horn; daughter and son-in-law, Ken and Sandy Johnson, sons and daughter-in-laws, Norbert “Butch” Wittlief and Cathy Butler, Milt and JoAnne Wittlief; grandchildren; Krista Ice, Kendra Jantzen, Ryan Johnson, Kecia Winter, Miles and Carley Wittlief, and several great-grandchildren.

Services were at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Castle Danger Tuesday. Austin will be laid to rest next to Luella, at the Silver Creek Cemetery in the spring.

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions