Merrylu Witte

Merrylu Witte, 70, of Decatur, Indiana died early Sunday morning, July 23, 2023 at her residence.

Merrylu was born December 18, 1952 in Steubenville, Ohio to the late James Haslam and the late Madalyn “Maggie” (Vargo) Fell. She was united in marriage to Gene Witte on January 1, 1999 in Decatur, and he survives.

Merrylu was the first female member of the Pickford, Michigan Lions Club. She always said they let her in so she could bake the cookies. She was also a member of St. John Lutheran Church – Bingen.

Merrylu loved baking cookies and was well known for her Christmas cookies and chocolates. She had a special connection with babies and was always thrilled at the opportunity to snuggle them, especially newborns. An avid bowler, she was active in the Professional Women’s Bowling Association, and she was a very competitive Bingo player.

Merrylu was a homemaker and a former server at Molly’s in Decatur.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, Gene Witte of Decatur; daughter, Amy Brookman of Mishawaka, IN; grandson, Micheal Wilds of Mishawaka; two sisters, Laura (Dave) Jones of Fort Wayne, IN and Shannon (Dave) Lee of Mishawaka; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother and father, Merrylu was preceded in death by the father she “never had,” Ralph Fell; brother, Jim A. Haslam; sister, Carol S. Perella; and two nieces, Christine Habony and Lisa Maria Haslam Pressley.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen with Pastor Peter Brock and Pastor Berett Steffen officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Dale Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home – Decatur and one hour prior to the funeral service Wednesday at the church.

Preferred memorials are to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PAWS of Adams County or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana