Emmett L. Witt

Emmett L. Witt, 93 of Bancroft, NE, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Hillside Villa in West Point, NE.  A visitation will be on Monday, November 21, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft.  The funeral will be on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bancroft; with Reverend Nathan Henschen officiating.  The burial with military honors will be at the Bancroft Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft.

Emmett was born on June 17, 1929, on a farm outside of Winnebago, NE, to Gustave and Margaret (Luedert) Witt.  After the 8^th grade, Emmett started working for Johnny Ahler’s outside of Rosalie.  Emmett was drafted into the US Army, and he served during the Korean Conflict.  Upon his return, he met and married Charlotte Bierschenk on December 4, 1955, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. The couple was blessed with 53 years of marriage. Together the couple farmed east of Rosalie until 1960 when they moved to their farm outside of Bancroft.  Emmett was a lifelong farmer, fed cattle, raised hogs, and had a great love for his horses.  Alongside farming he worked as an auctioneer for 60 years with Walt Nelson and Ed Molvig.  Emmett’s love for horses took him and his family on several adventures, trail rides throughout the Midwest and many local parades.  He was proud of his military service and helped conduct the Memorial Day Program at the cemetery every year.  Emmett enjoyed public speaking and volunteering his time on local boards, including the Bancroft Township Board, St. Paul’s Church Board, Bancroft Rural Fire District, and serving 60 years with the American Legion Post 191, and 70 years with the Bancroft Saddle Club.  Emmett loved his family and was very proud of his farm.

Emmett is survived by his daughter, Garnet (Brad) Gabriel of Douglas, NE; granddaughter, Jami Gabriel of Douglas, NE; many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Charlotte; sisters, Eva (Harry) Appleton and Florence (Harold) Nielsen; and a former brother-in-law, Ora Underwood.