Obituary of Nathan Witt

Nathan ?Bud? Leonard Witt, 80, Wisconsin Rapids, died early Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at his home. A memorial visitation will be on Sunday, February 26 from Noon until 2:00 PM at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home, Wisconsin Rapids. Bud was born March 6, 1931 in Wisconsin Rapids to the late Leonard and Beata (Markworth) Witt. He married his high school sweetheart, Arlymae Gerzmehle on March 10, 1951 in Wisconsin Rapids. Bud enlisted in the US Air Force and served with the 584th Air Force Band attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During his time with the Air Force he played tenor saxophone for many dignitaries including President John F. Kennedy. Also, Bud and Arlymae welcomed the births of their three sons while stationed around the US and world. After retiring from the Air Force, Bud began working for the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department, retiring from there after 25 years in 1986 as the Assistant Fire Chief. Throughout his life, Bud was a musician at heart. He began playing professionally at age 14 and continued until 2010. He enjoyed camping with his family when the boys were growing up and later traveling throughout the continental US, Alaska and Mexico with Arlymae. Survivors include his beloved wife, Arlymae; sons, Allen (Pam), Randal (Sandra) and Michael (Teresita) all of the Wisconsin Rapids area; granddaughters, Danielle (Harley) Heinrich and Kayla (Eric) Plawman; great-grandchildren, Mallory and Wyatt; sisters, Gail (Richard) Ashenbrener and Dawn Schact; and extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial (WSFM, PO Box 248 Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495).