Collene Elizabeth Witmer

Collene Elizabeth Witmer (1939-2024) was a loving Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma who baked the best cookies, designed beautiful floral arrangements, and created the most wonderful birthday cards for her family and friends. Collene, 85, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, died unexpectedly in her Valley View Cooperative home on November 6, 2024. Fittingly, she was baking cookies. Collene was born in Los Angeles on October 26, 1939, to Charles and Mildred (Gates) Wohlfahrt. Her early life was challenging. When she was 7 years old, she was adopted by Mildred's cousins, Grace and Charles Sellers of Rowan, Iowa, becoming their daughter and a younger sister to Judy. Collene attended the University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls. She met and married Robin Lynn Hamilton in 1958. Their eldest son, John Charles Hamilton, was born in 1959. They were blessed with two more sons, David Gail in 1961, and Scott Joseph in 1972. The family lived in several towns in Minnesota, but settled in Rochester. Collene and Robin divorced in 1974, but Collene met and married Dean Harland Witmer, a high school counselor and golf coach, in 1983. They moved to Dean's home in Perry, Iowa, along with Scott, who joined the Witmer family, taking Dean's last name. Dean's daughter, Julie, and son, Mike, from a previous marriage, added to Collene's list of beloved children. After Dean passed away in 2012, Collene remained in Perry, Iowa, until 2016, when she moved to be closer to her family in Minnesota. She lived in Valley View Cooperative from 2017 until her passing, making many friends while creating cards that were sold at Valley View. Additionally, she volunteered at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum creating special cards that were sold to benefit the Arboretum. Besides being a full-time mother while her children were young, Collene worked as a cytologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, became one of the first female insurance agents in Rochester and Perry, and finally started her own company, Crystal Gardens, using her amazing design skills as a wedding florist. Collene's greatest joy was her family. She adored having everyone together. Blessedly, many of her family helped her celebrate her 85th birthday just ten days prior to her passing. There was no one like her. Always willing to listen. Never judged. Gave opinions when asked. Supported decisions (even if she didn't agree with them). And loved all her family and friends, unconditionally. Collene is survived by: Her four sons and daughter and their spouses: John and Sue Hamilton of Eden Prairie, MN, Dave and Julie Hamilton of Maple Grove, MN, Scott and Missy Witmer of Lee's Summit, MO, Julie and Mark Erickson of Gilbert, AZ, Mike Witmer and Brenda Seabolt-Grasjo of Oak Ridge, NC. Fourteen grandchildren and spouses/significant others: Katie Ebinger (Alistair), Grace Hamilton (Nathan Moore), Natalie Hamilton (Omar Kwara), Tyler Hamilton, Tara Krause (Nolan), Ian Hamilton, Marissa Hamilton (William Swain), Lukas Witmer, Abby Witmer, Georgia Vinson, Grant Vinson, Collin Erickson (Janae), Andrew Erickson (Skyler), and Brandon Witmer (Piper Ramirez). Three great-grandchildren: Bennett and Audrey Krause and Giorgie Ebinger. Her sister, Judy Thompson of Urbandale, Iowa. As well as many extended friends and family who simply adored her. Collene was preceded in death by her husband, Dean, and parents Grace and Charles Sellers. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Washburn-McReavy Chapel, 7625 Mitchell Rd, Eden Prairie, MN. Visitation at 10 am. Celebration of Life at 11 am with a luncheon afterwards. Collene loved plants and flowers, but if preferred, donations in her name to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org

Tributes

Collene Elizabeth Witmer

October 26, 1939 - November 6, 2024

Tributes

Collene Elizabeth Witmer

October 26, 1939 - November 6, 2024

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