Craig S. Witte, 63

Craig Witte, 63, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Jan. 31, 2024. He was born Aug. 1, 1960, to Pete and Betty Witte in Chadron, Nebraska. He was the youngest of four brothers and one sister. He spent his formative years ranching with his dad and brothers on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He often said it was 40 miles from the nearest can of pop. These years taught him many things that he would carry with him throughout his life.

On Dec. 30, 1983, he married his love and best friend, Susan, in Chadron. They had known each other since sixth grade. They graduated from high school in 1978. He was a Nebraska State Wrestling Champion their senior year. He graduated from Chadron State College in 1983. After their wedding, they moved to Oklahoma City, Kansas City and Denver. In Denver they were blessed with two children, Andy and Ally. In 1995 they moved to Kalispell to open Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in Evergreen, which they owned and ran until 2020. They were blessed with another child, Augustus, in 1998 in Kalispell. They spent 40 years together dancing, playing cards, gardening and most of all, laughing.

Craig was an avid volunteer in his community. He helped coach Little Guy Wrestling and Little Guy Football. He was a past president of the Evergreen Rotary Club and was a founding member of the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the Friends of the NRA Banquet Committee. He served as a Representative of House District 8 in the 2007 Legislature as a Republican. He always said “Life is short. Do something.” And he lived by those words.

Craig will be missed by so many people. He always had a “good” joke and loved to laugh and enjoy life. He so enjoyed his Perkins customers and employees. He was recently a bartender at the Kalispell Eagles Club and loved interacting with his customers, and they with him. This world feels a little less humorous without him here. We hope when people think of Craig, they smile. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, friend and patriot. We appreciate very much the love and support we have received from this community.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Betty; and his brother, Rob. 

He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Andrew (Kate) Witte-Musialowski, Alexis (Jim) Sattler, Augustus Witte; and four grandchildren, Paisley, Blair, Margot and Ryatt; brothers, Rick, Ron, Randy Witte; sister, Kathy Kindred; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and so many friends. He will forever be in his family’s hearts and will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on April 20, at the Kalispell Eagles Club.