Clifford Witmer

Clifford Samuel Witmer, 95, formerly of Sterling, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, June 17, 2010 with his daughters at his bedside at Apostolic Christian Restmor after a long struggle with alzheimers. Clifford was born March 26, 1915 to Samuel and Edith (Hensler) Witmer at home on their farm in Morrison. He married Grace Shank on March 12, 1941. She preceded him in death on September 30, 2006. Clifford farmed in the Dixon/Sterling area for 40 years before retiring and moving into town. When his wife had a stroke in 2005, they moved to Morton to be near their two daughters. He was a lifelong member of the Science Ridge Mennonite Church. He was also a member of the Farm Bureau and Milk Producers Association. Clifford will be remembered for his conscientiousness, quietness, always ready smile and twinkling eyes. He loved his Lord, his family, his farm and livestock, in that order. Clifford also loved gardening, woodworking and visiting shut-ins. He was often found reading his Bible. Clifford was a wonderful brother, husband, father and grandfather and a great example of faithfulness to his Lord and Savior. Survivors include two daughters, Madeline (Kenneth) Saltzman, of Morton, and Linda (Ray) Zimmerman, of East Peoria; three sisters, Flossie Horst, of Mt. Morris, Lorna Witmer, of Sterling, and Alice (Merle) Ebersole, of Dixon; five grandchildren, Andrew (Holly) Saltzman, of Kalona, IA, Joey Saltzman, of Morton, Ryan (Amanda) Zimmerman, of East Peoria, Sara (Brian) Lehman, of Eureka, and Jodi Zimmerman, of East Peoria; and four great-grandchildren, Grace, Hope and Faith Saltzman, of Kalona, IA and Hayden Zimmerman, of East Peoria. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Mary Emily Witmer in childhood, Ethel Ebersole, Gladys Hess and Mabel Hess; and two brothers, Harry and Henry Witmer. A memorial has been established to the Apostolic Christian Timber Ridge, a handicapped home where a grandson lives. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.