Obituary of Lois Rae Witzig

Lois Rae (Petty) Witzig of Duluth, MN, went peacefully from her earthly life to her eternal heavenly inheritance surrounded by her family on July 1, 2022.

She was born November 8, 1925, on a farm near Lawrenceville, Illinois to Guy and Zelma Petty, as the youngest of five children. While attending the University of Illinois, she met the love of her life, Frederick T Witzig. They married in 1951 and upon Frederick earning his doctorate degree in Geography, at the University of Illinois, he then accepted a position as professor at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and they moved to Duluth in 1953. Moving to Northern Minnesota was an adjustment and Lois often mentioned she had never seen so much snow in all her life. She was very proud that she learned to drive a “stick shift” car up and down the hills of Duluth.

Lois taught many years as a pre-school teacher. She was a faithful member of Hope United Methodist Church sharing her faith, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and supporting the church ministries. In addition, she was a member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), Duluth Chapter.

Lois and Fred enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe and loved all music, especially classical, and were long-time season ticket holders of the Duluth Sympathy. Lois was committed to staying in touch with family and friends she made over the years. She was a prolific card and letter writer and as technology advanced, mastered the skill of email.

Lois is survived by her four children; Eric (Leanne) Witzig of Tofte, MN; Michael (Jennie) Witzig, Morton, IL; Karen (Richard) Kelly, Sagle, ID; and Kurtis (Sarah) Witzig of Duluth; 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Witzig; mother Zelma Petty; father Guy Petty; brother Guy (June) Petty; sisters Doris (John) Shepp, Reva (Harry) Benefield, Norma Petty, and Reba Petty.

A Visitation will be held at 9:15 a.m. with a Memorial Service at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 8th at Hope United Methodist Church, 301 W St Marie St, Duluth, MN 55803.

In loving memory of Lois, memorials may be made to the Hope United Methodist Church, Duluth, MN, and the Frederick & Lois T Witzig Scholarship Fund, University of Minnesota Foundation.