Leslie Witmer

Les Witmer, 76, a long time resident and business owner in Atlantic, died at the Atlantic Nursing Care and Rehab Center on Monday morning, March 6th, 2006. Les was born the son of Frank L. and Bessie J. Witmer on a farm in Marshall County, Iowa on July 18th, 1929. He attended and graduated from Alden High School as salutatorian, in the Class of 1947. On December 29, 1950 he married Phyllis Jane Harris in Iowa Falls. He then served in the US Army during the Korean War, 1951-1952. After being honorably discharged he farmed with his father in Madison, Missouri for 3 years. In 1956 he began employment with Sears Roebuck & Co. which required him to move his family to Carroll IA., Northfield MN and Stillwater MN. In summer 1967 he bought a Dairy Queen franchise in Atlantic, Iowa. He took great pride in his restaurant and as he expanded his business the name was changed to 6-West Drive-In Restaurant. After which he assumed the roles of CEO and janitor. In January of 1978 his beloved wife Phyllis of 28 years passed away. On June 3rd 1979 he married Sally Bateman and they were married for 17 years.Les was an active member of his community. He was instrumental in bringing Little League Baseball to Atlantic and the construction of their baseball complex. For these efforts he was awarded the Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Dedication and Service in 1976. He served on the Church Council of St. Paul Lutheran, at one time serving as Church Council President. He took pride in helping with the fund raising and construction of the new addition to the church. Les was also an active member of the Atlantic Lions Club and was awarded Lion of the Year both in 1982-83 and 1990-91.Dad loved sports, but loved watch his grandchildren participate and competed in all of their events , whether dance recitals, band performances, football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, track, wrestling or any other competition. Dad had so much pride in the efforts of his grandchildren. Even though he said he came to visit his children, we "the kids&" know he really came to visit his grandkids. Dad also had a passion for snow skiing as he was an adventurous person, his family enjoyed trips to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Colorado. Les is survived by his four children, Larry Witmer and his wife Barbara of Cedar Rapids, Jane Dean and her husband John of Cedar Rapids, Dave Witmer and his wife Kelley of Lawrence, Kansas and Gary Witmer and his wife Sharon of Grand Island, Nebraska; his ten grandchildren, Autumn, Jordan, Gabe, Mitch, Nick, Brad, Aaron, Alex, Austin, and Audra as well as a sister-in-law Dorothy Hook and her husband Art of Charles City and sister-in-law Doris Witmer most recently of California and a number of nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his father Frank Leslie Witmer, mother Bessie Thornton Witmer, brothers Robert and Cecil Witmer and sisters Myrna Brindle, Lyna Riemenschneider, and Ruth LeitchFuneral InformationIN LOVING MEMORY OFLeslie "Les" Earl WitmerBorn July 18, 1929 ~ Marshall CountyENTERED INTO RESTMonday, March 6, 2006Atlantic, Iowaat the age of 76 years, 7 months, 18 daysFUNERAL SERVICEThursday, March 9, 20062:00 p.m.St. Paul's Lutheran Church ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGPastor Dennis MeyerMUSICAL SELECTIONSHow Great Thou ArtIn the GardenOn Eagle"s WingsORGANISTEileen DenneBEARERS ~ GrandsonsJordon Witmer Gabe Dean Mitch Dean Nick Witmer Brad Witmer Aaron Witmer Alex Witmer Austin WitmerHONORARY BEARERS ~ GranddaughtersAutumn Witmer Switzer Audra WitmerCommittalAtlantic Cemetery in Atlantic, IowaFollowing the interment, Les' family invites friends to join them for a luncheon at the church fellowship hall.