Estella Witt

Estella Witt, 100, of Honey Creek, IA, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, at Bethany Lutheran Home in Council Bluffs, IA.

Estella's life was one of devotion, kindness, and faith. Born on March 2, 1925, in Honey Creek to H.C. and Irene (Axtell) Bertelsen, she grew up with a strong sense of family and community. She attended country school in Boomer Township and graduated from Beebeetown High School in 1942. On December 1, 1946, Estella married J. William Witt, and together they built a life centered around their farm, their faith, and their loved ones.

Estella's warm smile and loving spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. She had a special gift for making others feel valued and cared for, whether it was offering a cup of coffee, sharing her famous chocolate chip cookies, or simply being a listening ear. Her home was always open, and her hospitality was second to none. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and her nurturing nature was felt by all who crossed her path.

A member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Honey Creek, Estella's faith was the foundation of her life. She embodied the values of love, kindness, and humility, which she carried with her in everything she did. Her strength, patience, and unwavering devotion to her family and community were the hallmarks of her character.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Willie, her son Robert W. Witt, her daughter Becky J. Ring, her daughter and son-in-law Beverly K. and LeRoy Dollen, and her grandson Jay W. Dollen. Also preceding her were her siblings Elsie (Homer) Watson, Betty (Keith) Gunderson, Don (Loretta) Bertelsen, and Calvin (Wilma) Bertelsen, as well as her in-laws Leonard (Lorraine) Witt, Dorothy (Shorty) Wohlers, and Alvin Witt.

Estella is survived by her daughters Barbara (Tim) Heikes of Dakota City, NE, Bonnie (Marion) Ausdemore of Neola, IA, and her son Brian (Dawn) Witt of Honey Creek, IA. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Bonnie Sorensen of Honey Creek, IA, son-in-law Tom Ring of Neola, IA, her sister-in-law Shirley Witt of Council Bluffs, IA, 22 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Estella's legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. While her presence will be deeply missed, she now rests in peace, reunited with her loved ones in eternity.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Honey Creek on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Interment will be in Grange Cemetery. Memorials will be directed by the family.