Josh Witte

Kindhearted, hardworking, and generous, Joshua Adam Witte lived a life rich in family and friends. Josh led with his heart in all things, always giving what he could to help others and ensure their well-being. Josh was unwaveringly thoughtful and kind, and even in the face of life's struggles, he wished for nothing more than to be positive, share time with loved ones, and be outdoors. A cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend, Josh will long be remembered and so dearly missed.

1990 was a year filled with promise. While NASA deployed the Hubble Space Telescope and Sue the T Rex was discovered, Nelson Mandela was freed, and the demolition of the Berlin Wall began. It was during this time of change and hope for the future that Jerome and Bertie (Barnes) Witte welcomed their twin boys, Josh and Jacob, to their family on October 3, 1990.

Born at Butterworth Hospital, Josh weighed in at just two pounds six ounces and stayed in the hospital for the first 43 days before joining his older brother Gerard and sister Jennifer at the family home on Lake Michigan Drive NW. Sixty days later, Jacob came home. Josh and Jacob shared a close twin bond, which included understanding communication that sounded like jibberish to others and a penchant for mischievousness. Once, much to their mom's dismay, the boys decided to turn their kitchen floor into their own slip-n-slide by depositing three dozen eggs and chocolate pudding.

Josh always loved the outdoors, playing baseball, soccer, biking, and swimming. He loved trips to catch Detroit Tigers games and the Zoo and driving to see Christmas lights. He and his family enjoyed Kirk Park at Lake Michigan, Meyers Lake in Rockford, and River Ridge Campground.

An excellent student, Josh attended North Park Elementary, Westwood Middle, and Union High School. He played tennis in high school and graduated Salutatorian of the class of 2009. Josh's first job was as a dishwasher at Superior Catering, and his first car was a Buick Regal.

Having earned a full scholarship to Davenport University, Josh applied himself to earning a bachelor's degree in business administration. He did well balancing full-time school and working full-time in medical billing at East Paris Internal Medicine. Josh was always a well-valued and respected employee and coworker, making his parents very proud.

Every year, Josh and Jacob enjoyed a rustic camping trip. Josh always preferred sleeping in his hammock under the stars, and Nordhouse Dunes was one favorite spot. Josh did a lot of camping and made many wonderful memories on extended family canoe trips.

A good friend and a great uncle, he never hesitated to make himself available to those who needed a hand. He loved the outdoors, biking, and camping, and enjoyed games, shooting pool, bowling, and playing video games. He was the best gift-giver and loved being an uncle. He never hesitated to get down on the floor to play with his nieces and nephews. He especially enjoyed playing board games with them and was very proud to be their uncle.

The past few years proved a struggle for Josh as mental health issues made it difficult for him to navigate the ups and downs of life. Josh wanted so much to be outgoing, socialize with friends, spend time outdoors, do something positive, and feel a sense of peace. Sadly, despite his efforts, those moments were not always possible.

Though our days with Josh were far too few, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories of the special man we were so blessed to know. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying Josh's legacy of love and generosity forward. In each moment we spend immersed in Nature, playing a game with friends and family, giving our very best, and celebrating the moment, we keep Josh's spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Joshua Adam Witte, age 33, passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2023. He will be missed by his parents, Jerome and Bertie Witte; siblings, Gerard (Stephanie Vanderhulst) Witte, Jennifer (Kurt) Binder, Jacob Witte; nieces and nephews, Jasmyn, Asher, Aubreigh, Addison, Logan, and Lucas; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Josh was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Albertha Witte, and Archie and Marie Barnes. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with his family beginning at 12 PM. Interment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. To read more of Josh's life story and leave a memory or condolence, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.