Susan “Sue” Jane Witte, age 79 of New Ulm died peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2026, at the Oak Lawn Rehabilitation Center in Mankato.

Funeral service will be 11 am on Thursday, July 9th, 2026, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, July 8th, and continue from 10-11 am on Thursday prior to the service all at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home- South Chapel in New Ulm.

To leave an online condolence for her family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Susan is survived by her husband 48 years, Gene Witte of New Ulm; her sons, Nathan (Kate) Witte of Moorhead, Kyle Witte of San Diego, California, Shawn (Kim) Witte of New Ulm; her grandchildren, Blake, Temperance, and Keegan; her sister, Julie (Greg) Olson of Fargo, North Dakota; her brother, Alan (Sharon) Carlson of Fargo, North Dakota; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister-in-law, Carol Loechler.

Susan “Sue” Jane Carlson was born on December 6, 1946, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Walter and Nina (Lahren) Carlson. Sue grew up in North Dakota, where she graduated from Wahpeton High School with the Class of 1964. Following high school, Sue continued her education at the Junior College State School of Science in Wahpeton. She later attained her Associate’s degree in Education and her Bachelor’s degree in science education from North Dakota State University, preparing for what would become a lifelong passion for teaching. On July 9, 1977, Sue was united in marriage to Gene Witte. Together they built a life centered on family, education, and service to others. Sue began her teaching career in Towner, North Dakota, before accepting a position with New Ulm Public Schools-District 88. She devoted many years to educating middle school students as a science teacher, where she became known for her dedication and commitment to helping young people discover the world around them. Her classroom touched the lives of countless students in New Ulm throughout her career before she retired in 2007. A firm believer in lifelong learning and professional involvement, Susan was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Minnesota Education Association, the New Ulm Education Association, and Our Savior's Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Away from the classroom, Sue found joy in life's simple pleasures. She enjoyed working with her hands, spending countless hours quilting and stitching beautiful creations for those she loved. An avid reader with a lifelong curiosity to learn, Sue was also a familiar face at the library, where she volunteered her time when she could. Sue treasured time spent with her family at their cabin up north, where many lasting memories were made together. Whether searching for a hidden treasure or bargain at a thrift store, or carefully selecting the perfect birthday card to brighten someone's day, Sue found happiness in thoughtful gestures and simple acts of kindness.

Above all, Sue will be remembered for her generous and compassionate heart. She consistently placed the needs of others before her own and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her quiet acts of service, her kindness, and genuine care for family, friends, students, and neighbors left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her legacy lives on not only through the lessons she taught in the classroom, but through the love, generosity, and compassion she shared throughout her life. Blessed be her memory.