Leata "Marge" Witt

Leata Margaret Witt, lovingly known as Marge, passed away on December 21, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born on January 29, 1936, in Sparta, Wisconsin, and carried the warmth, humor, and resilience of her Midwestern roots with her throughout her life.

Marge was a proud Wisconsinite through and through. She adored all Wisconsin sports teams, but none held her heart quite like the Green Bay Packers. Whether cheering from her living room or talking football with family, her enthusiasm was unmistakable and often contagious.

Throughout her life, Marge embraced adventure and adaptability, making homes across the United States. She lived in Wisconsin, New York, Arkansas, Florida, Colorado, and Wyoming, gathering memories, friendships, and stories in each place she settled.

She worked in a variety of roles over the years, many of them at golf courses where she enjoyed the camaraderie, and was a familiar and welcoming face to many. Later in life, she brought her strong work ethic and friendly spirit to her final workplace at Sam’s Club, where she was appreciated by coworkers and customers alike.

Marge is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Bathke; her children Kathy Bakalars, Kevin Bathke, Edward “Chip” Bathke, Kirk Bathke, Mark Bathke, and Gary Bathke; and her sisters Helen Clark, Shirley Foster, Rita Wright, Carmen Konop, and Dona Kronberg.

She is survived by her son Kenneth Bathke and his daughters Conner, Carsen and Caiden. Marge is also survived by her grandchildren: Adam Bakalars; Dustin Bakalars, his wife Nicole, and their children Sandler and Berklee; Erin Lange, her husband Reece, and their children Phillip and Brianna; She is further survived by her sisters Hattie Crook, Mary Cervinski, Connie Libke and Cheryl Hemker along with many extended family members and friends, all of whom remained a constant source of love and support throughout her life.

Marge will be remembered for her loyalty, her humor, her love of sports, and the way she made every place she lived feel like home. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched.