Jon was born in Madison on December 22, 1948, to John W. and Helen M. (Orlowski) Witkins.
Jon farmed in Palmyra for over 50 years. He had been named the winner of the Wisconsin division of the National Corn Growers Association corn-growing contest, winning the award with an impressive 178.07 bushels per acre. He also scored well in the Palmyra Future Farmers of America corn shows and other exhibits. Jon also drove his Peterbilt truck for the Canning Co. in Fort Atkinson for many years.
Jon graduated from Palmyra High School in 1967. He enjoyed mechanics and farm machinery. Jon was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting.
Jon will be dearly missed by his partner of many years, Evelyn Portman. Jon and Evelyn spent many years together, farming and enjoying life. Jon is also survived by his sister, Ann (Ron) Rein of Fort Atkinson; nephew, Brian Rein of Fort Atkinson; niece, Tammy (Michael) Boyd of Footville; two great-nieces, Lilly and Brooke Boyd; and other relatives and friends including very special friend of 15 years, Jerry Laxton, whom he stopped by every night after the farm to talk about his day.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen (Orlowski) Witkins.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, August 4 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 313 Main St., Palmyra, WI 53156, with Reverend Steve Blyth officiating. A visitation will take place on Saturday, August 4 from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will take place at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Loft Assisted Living.
