Marcelyn Delores Wittorff, 92, passed away on August 2, 2023, at Pleasant Hills in Hutchinson.
She was born to George and Ilene (Burgess) Peterson on November 8, 1930, at the Little River Hospital. The third of six children, she grew up on farms in Rice and McPherson Counties, attending rural one-room schools and graduating from Inman High School in 1948. Following graduation, she worked as a telephone operator and a grocery clerk until her marriage to Arnold Wittorff on September 11, 1949. They shared 62 years of marriage. The couple lived west of Inman where they raised their children, built their farm and bred their well-known registered Polled Hereford cattle herd. They were active in the Kansas Polled Hereford Association, with Arnold serving for many years as the organization’s Secretary/Sales Manager. Marcelyn and their children assisted Arnold in his organization responsibilities. Marcelyn was a member and leader of the Kansas Pollettes, the breed’s women’s organization. She also was involved in the local 4-H clubs, both as a member and a parent leader. Marcelyn later worked in the business office of Conklin Cars in Hutchinson for many years.
She was an active member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, Inman, serving in many leadership capacities.
Marcelyn enjoyed entertaining and was known as a great cook. She made many of her own clothes and loved playing cards. Most of the family travels involved going to Polled Hereford related events or visiting the farms of other breeders. In later years, Marcelyn’s favorite travel destination was Branson, MO, sometimes going to three shows a day. In her own life reflections she wrote, “It’s good to get away, but it’s always good to come home.” Marcelyn is now in her eternal home.
Her survivors include her son, Larry (Kathie) Wittorff, Derby, KS; daughter, Carolyn Jackson, Arlington, VA (Washington DC Metro area); grandchildren: Mindy (Travis) Maurath, Topeka, KS; Brett (Ashley) Wittorff, Derby, KS; great-grandchildren: Tyler and Blake Maurath, Topeka, KS; sister, Phyllis Knackstedt, Inman, KS; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, her parents, three brothers: LeRoy, Kenneth and Jim Peterson; her sister and brother-in-law Kathleen (Dale) Zimmerman, her sisters-and brothers-in-law Gene Allen Knackstedt, Audrey Peterson, Elaine Peterson, Louise Janssen, and Erwin and Geneva Wittorff.
Visitation will be held 5-7 PM Tuesday August 8, 2023, at St. Peters United Church of Christ, Inman. Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 9 at North Inman Cemetery and a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM at St. Peter’s followed by lunch.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ or the Kansas 4-H Foundation Arnold and Marcelyn Wittorff Family Leadership Fund in care of Inman Funeral Home.