June 25, 1943 - July 3, 2007

Craig Witte

Dr Craig H Witte, 64, of Bloomington died peacefully Tuesday evening (July 3, 2007) at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church, 401 W Jefferson St, Bloomington, with pastors the Rev James Warren and the Rev Robert Cueni officiating.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.

Memorials in Craig's honor may be given to the John M Scott Health Commission or BroMenn Healthcare.

Dr Witte was born June 25, 1943, in Chicago, a son of Dr William B and Caroline Hess Witte.

Survivors include sons, Christopher S Witte, Bloomington, and Adam D (Candice Smith) Witte of Iowa City; brother Judge W Charles (Donna) Witte, Bloomington; nieces, Sally (Ryan Postma) Berens of Redwood City, Calif; Nelltje (Brian Prosise) Berens of Dublin, Calif; Abra Berens of Chicago; and Drs Alison (Patrick) McCann of St Louis, and Elizabeth (Joseph) Edmondson, Columbia, Mo.  He was preceded in death by his sister Jo Karyl Berens, and his parents.

He graduated from Bloomington High School, attended the University of Mississippi and Illinois State University, and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry magna cum laude in June, 1972.  Dr Witte returned to Bloomington to practice optometry with his father and has maintained his practice for 34 years.

He was widely respected for his expertise in behavorial vision therapy and enjoyed a warm relationship with his patients.  He was a frequent lecturer in schools on vision, reading and learning problems, helping kids become better learners.  He gave generously of his time and resources as a member of the John M Scott Health Commission and numerous other community activities.  His family wishes to thank the numerous BroMenn doctors, nurses and staff who extended extraordinary skill, care and compassion during his recent illness.

He was an active member of the American and Illinois Optometric associations and the College of Optometrists on Vision Development.  He was a longtime member of Evergreen Racket Club and Crestwick Country Club, where he greatly enjoyed playing tennis and golf with his friends.  He was also a member of First Christian Church, Bloomington, and a U.S. Army veteran.

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