David ‘KATO’ Witter

Minot

AF

David ‘KATO’ Witter, 87, Minot, died Thursday, January 26, 2023, in his home.

David was the second youngest child of eleven children born to W. Mont and Martha (Keefer) Witter. He was born and educated in Shippensburg, PA, class of 1953. After high school he enlisted into the US Air Force in January 1954 and served honorably until his discharge in October 1957.

David was united in marriage in April 1954, to his high school sweetheart, Lois Jane Dysert. This union was blessed with five children, David Michael, Jeffrey, Merry Jo, Scott and Gregory.

He was employed by C.J. Langenfelter G.C. until July 1958 when he reenlisted into the Air Force, remaining on active duty until his retirement from Minot AFB in July 1983 with the rank of SMSGT. While in the military he worked in the aircraft maintenance field as an aircraft electrical repairman/technician and as an aircraft production scheduler/controller. He also served as First Sergeant from 1977-1983.

David completed and obtained an Associate Degree in Production Management with the Community College of the Air Force. During his military career he served at different locations in the U.S., Spain, Guam, Alaska, Greenland, Labrador, Taiwan and Thailand. He was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Start, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 1 Silver and 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon and the Small Arms Ribbon.

Following his military service, he worked in Civil Service at the Minot Air Force Base; 91 CES, as a customer service representative, quality control inspector and served as housing inspector 1984 to 1997.

Lois passed away on July 27, 1996. After her passing David kept active in the Minot community as a member of many organizations not limited to the Moose Lodge, VFW, Vardon Golf Club and Wildwood Country Club. He was also an active member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

He enjoyed golfing, traveling, breakfast with friends and spending time with family.

David joined the Masons in 1967 in Rapid City, SD and the Scottish Rite Masons and Shrine in 1971 at Taipei, Taiwan. He was a life member and Past Master and Past Treasurer of Minot Star in the West #33 Masonic Lodge where he received the Hiram Award. David was appointed to serve the ND Grand Lodge as Grand Tyler for the 2004-2005 year by then Grand Master MW Ronald Penfold. He was dual member of the Ashlar Lodge #69, Granville, ND; West Gate Lodge #125, Tioga, ND; Mt. Moriah Lodge #51, Williston, ND and charter member of the Yellowstone Historic Lodge #88, Ft. Buford Dakota Territory. David was a member of the Masonic Veterans Association and was a life member and Past Secretary of the Minot Scottish Rite Bodies where he holds the honorary 33rd Degree. He was Past Personal Representative to the S.G.I.G. of the Supreme Council in ND He was a member and Past Recorder of the ND York Rite; a Knight Mason and a member of the Red Cross Constantine; a former member and Past Director of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court #51 of Grand Forks. A life member of KEM Shriners (Past Potentate 2007) of Grand Forks where he received the SAMSAR Award in 199 for his service to KEM Shriners. He was a life member of the Cabiri International (Past Potentate’s Association), life member and Past President of the Minot Shrine Club; member of the Minot Merrymen, Minot Motor Patrol, KEM Roughriders Clan #172, KEM Caravan, Ancient Order of Camel Herders and the National Sojourners.

David is survived by his children Jeffrey Witter, Merry Jo (Tony) Theilen and Scott (Julie) Witter, all of Minot, and Gregory (Tracy) Witter Saskatoon, Canada; grandchildren Jennifer Theilen (Chris W.), Jessica (Aaron) Kilbourn, Dayne Witter (Abbi H.), Terah Witter, Crystal Witter, Jordan (Kylee) Theilen, Jaron Theilen (Ashley B.), Joshua and Kiley Witter; great-grandchildren Cale, A.J., Brooklyn, Joshua, Bailey Jane, Claire, Cambria, Case, Ranger, Ramsey, Greyson and Gavin; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois of 42 years, son David Michael, daughter-in-law, Mary Susan Witter, brothers Lester, William, James, Donald, Glen and John Witter and sisters Margaret, Grace, Helen, and Anna Mary.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Thursday, February 2, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot. A Masonic service will be held at 6:45 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to Shriner’s Hospital For Children or to the Our Lady of Grace Food Pantry.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 1, 2023.