Julia Witt

Julia M. Witt, 87, a resident at Creekside Living in Grundy Center, formerly of Reinbeck, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, October 30, 2019. Her family would also like to acknowledge their gratitude to the wonderful staff of Creekside who were caring for her not only through her long term stay, but also at the last days before her passing. Visitation for Julia will be held on Sunday, November 3rd from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Abels Funeral & Cremation Service-French-Hand Chapel in Reinbeck. The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 4th at 10:30 AM at the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck with Rev. Joel Love officiating. Burial will follow services at the Reinbeck City Cemetery. The family would like memorials to be directed to the Reinbeck Public Library or to the Kling Memorial Library in Grundy Center (please note Julia’s name in your check memo). Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com

Julia was born on August 27, 1932 in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to her parents Howard & Edith (Thomas) Hilbrant. She grew up in Mt. Pleasant with her parents and brother where she attended school. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1951. After high school, Julia attended the University of Iowa, where she earned a technical degree in linotyping. After she earned her degree, she started her first job at the Spokesman Press in Grundy Center.

While out with friends at the Skyway Supper Club in Reinbeck, Julia met the soon to be love of her life, Warren “Shorty” Witt. They married on October 14, 1956 in Mt. Pleasant. The couple resided in Grundy Center for 10 years, and made their home on Spruce Street in 1965, their first home they purchased together and remained in, the rest of their married lives.

Julia was a member of the Union Congregational United Church of Christ in Reinbeck, where she served in many Women’s Circles and was a member of their ‘Happy Hour Club’. She was also a member of Eastern Star.

She enjoyed all things fabric working; knitting, sewing, quilting, needle point and cross stitching. She was gracious in her spare time to knit the newborn baby caps for the local hospitals. Julia was an avid crossword puzzle fan and enjoyed doing that alongside her daughter, Nancy. She was thought to like a challenge, but her daughter said that she was really challenging her! They also enjoyed their day together watching Jeopardy. Julia was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing Sunday lunches for her family which included a regular pot roast meal, which included all the extra trimmings. She also was a gourmet baker who would often make “Grandma Witt’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies”. If there was one word to truly describe Julia, it was Kind. Her dedication to her family and friends was what was most important to her, but it was delayed in a way; she put everyone else first, she always came last. It was just what she did. She was still a full-time caregiver to those she loved until the age of 85, when the wonderful staff of Creekside were able to finally help Julia. She will dearly be missed by all those she leaves behind.

Julia is survived by her daughter Nancy Witt of Grundy Center and son Chris (Kay) Witt of Reinbeck; many nieces and nephews. She rejoins in Heaven her parents; husband Shorty; brother Tom Hilbrant.