Jean Witt

Jean was ushered through Heaven’s gates by her loving Savior on Saturday March 31st, 2007, after a very short battle with Cancer. Her family was at her side. She was born, Loralee Jean Kramp in St. Joseph on May 4, 1930 and remained rooted in the community her entire life. Jean will be remembered as a caring and gracious woman who always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Jean touched countless lives with her kindness, wisdom and willingness to help those that needed help the most. Her driving work ethic, compassion for the disadvantaged and passion for her family and friends made a lasting impression on all that knew her. Jean always took great pride in her work. As a young woman she served ice cream treats at Gillespie’s Drug Store in downtown St. Joseph. In later years, she worked as a photo technician at Redman & Ames Photography. Later in life, she found her true calling and in 1971 began a 20 year career with Berrien County. Jean first began as an assistant to probate Judge Hughes, and then as a caseworker in the office of the Friend of the Court. That position lead to an appointment as Assistant Friend of the Court for Berrien County in 1979. She was adept at maneuvering in the judicial system to protect innocent children and as an advocate for the most helpless and disadvantaged. Judges, Attorneys, Associates, and her clients described her as fair yet firm, compassionate and dedicated, and a tireless and zealous advocate for the children of Berrien County. She retired from that position in 1992. Jean was known by all to be the most avid sports fan. Although Notre Dame Football was by far her favorite, she could tell the life history of almost every player and every team record for professional or college sports. Her favorite pastime was cheering on her favorite team from the comforts of her home, with her little white dog Butch, by her side. She also enjoyed working in her yard, walking in the mornings with her friends, and spending time with her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Jean will be greatly missed by her loving family and her countless friends. She was especially proud to have five generations of her family together until the passing of her Mother, Mabel in 2003. Jean was preceded in death by her parents Ted & Mabel Kramp, and her husband Richard Witt. Survivors include her daughter, Linda (Mark) Mawhinney, Grandchildren Amy (Jim) Wells, Kelly Mawhinney and James Mawhinney, three Great Grand children, Peyton & Preston Wells and Hailey Mawhinney, all whom reside in the St. Joseph, Stevensville area. Jean was an active and supportive member of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jean’s coronation service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday at Peace Lutheran Church, 3590 Lincoln Ave., St. Joseph with Rev. Paul Koehneke & Rev. Franz Brandenburg officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 P.M. Monday at Starks Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St Joseph. A private graveside service will be held at a later date for family at Riverview Cemetery, St Joseph Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church.