Daniel Wittstruck

Dates

April 4, 1953 - September 21, 2025

Obituary

Daniel Wittstruck, 72, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Lyon Specialty Care in Rock Rapids, IA. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 1, from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Ethan, SD.

Daniel “Woody” Wittstruck was born on April 4, 1953, to Lee and Irene (Weber) Wittstruck in Parkston, SD. He graduated from Ethan High School and completed one year of auto mechanics training at Mitchell Technical. Daniel then served his country in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training in 1971 and received an honorable discharge in 1973.

He married Janet Larsen on December 27, 1971, at Ethan Methodist Church.

Daniel worked numerous jobs over the years, including auto mechanic, Dakota Cheese, Trail King, truck driver for Mitchell Pack, Twin City Fan, and farm labor.

Daniel had a passion for motorcycles and attended the Sturgis Rally from 1978 until 2020. Daniel will be remembered for his humor, his love for the open road, and, above all, his love for his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughters, Mashell Sonne of Tea and Harley Sue Wittstruck (fiancé Travis Hodne) of Mitchell; grandchildren, Nikita (Tyler) Faulkner, Anthony Donovan, Tabitha Sonne, Gabby Sonne, Makayla Sonne, and Christopher John Sonne; great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Elijah; mother, Irene Tischler; siblings, Fred Wittstruck, Tom Wittstruck, Sandy Mills, and Susan McDonald; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; his son, Charles; brother, Wade Wittstruck; and uncle, Charlie Rickgauer.

Visitation(s)

Date
Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location
6:30 PM Prayer Service

Bittner Funeral Chapel
805 W Havens Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

Hillcrest Cemetery
Ethan, SD

Posted by Julie Hein and Randy Miiller on October 1, 2025

Our condolences to Woody’s family and friends.

Posted by Bunny olson on October 1, 2025

I lived across the the street from woody in 1981 on south rowley.learned to play pinockle from woodrow as i called him.r.i.p.my friend

Posted by Hollie karber on September 30, 2025

Woody was a great guy! I always loved running into him and talking! He will be missed! Sympathy ro his family!

Posted by Jackie Christiansen on September 30, 2025

REST IN PEACE, WOODY

Posted by Cathy Dobras on September 29, 2025

I worked with him for many years. Sorry for your loss

Posted by Conni Scheetz Ziegenbein on September 29, 2025

Woody - I haven't seen you in years - but I remember your laugh the most - When you thought something was funny - your whole body would laugh. Rest In Peace - you are in good company going home - so many friends are waiting there for you.

Posted by Wanda & Dan Wubbena on September 28, 2025

We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved father and grandfather. This past year has brought so much sorrow to our families, and our hearts truly ache with you. Please know we are here for you, holding you close with love and support during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories you shared and strength in the love that surrounds you.

Posted by Betty Bruske on September 26, 2025

I was blest to talk with you after you had the motorcycle accident. Your daughter was taking care of you at her house at the time. She assisted you to be able to talk with me. She is a great daughter to you and loved you so much as many people do. I was a classmate of yours in Ethan High School. remember you as always being full of joy no matter what the school day might bring. I remember in our English class you and I did a Romeo and Juliet skit and it made people laugh and that is what was what you enjoyed the most making people laugh. Your family loves you so much and when I talked recently to Woody I found out he loves Jesus and he is at peace with the Lord. I am looking forward to seeing you in heaven. Bless the memory of Woody. My sympathies to the family of Woody.

Posted by Kenny Norwick on September 26, 2025

Never saw Danny (Woody) without a huge smile and a friendly word. Also as a kid growing up in Ethan and years later, didn’t know anyone who met Woody that didn’t love the guy.

Posted by Dan & Lorna Sonne on September 25, 2025

To All the Wittstruck Families, Our Sincere Condolences to All of you. Woody (as we knew him by) was a great guy! Always had some story to tell or a joke or two. 😊 RIP Woody 🙏

Posted by Ben kostal on September 25, 2025

I am sorry for your loss.

Posted by Paul&Connie Frazer on September 25, 2025

Oh my goodness WOODY you are so missed already!! 60 years of a Friendship…RIP ..FLY HIGH MY FRIEND!!

Posted by Petty on September 25, 2025

Was my nickname it never left been with me ever since the cheese factory A really good guy!!!!

Posted by Gary and Mary Stadlman on September 25, 2025

Wittstruck family, We are so sorry to hear of loss of Dan. We always had a good visit when we would see him, always a smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Posted by Rose walters on September 25, 2025

Rest in peace!

Posted by Harley Sue Wittstruck on September 24, 2025

O Dad!!!! Loved me when my Biological Mom Suldana Bragdon didn't!!!! Been there 4 me 4 EVERYTHIN!!!! From when I was born, 2 when my Mom Suldana Bragdon Threw me across the room when I was 5 months old, 2 GrowIn up & EVERYTHIN!!!! I'm gonna MISS EVERYTHIN BOUT HIM!!!! Pizza Mondays at HoMe, Taco Tuesdays at Taco Bell, Footlong Fridays at Zesto's, & even Chislic at the Big Dummies Bar on SoMe Saturdays!!!! RidIn on the back of the motorcycle!!!! WatchIn The Parent Trap with Lindsey Lohan in it with U!!!! How U ALWAYS watched Wheel Of Fortune at 6:30p.m.!!!! NCIS!!!! It's gonna B SOOOOOOOO WEIRD NOT GETTIN PHONE CALLS FROM U ANYMORE!!!!

Posted by Bobby Weber on September 24, 2025

Aunt Irene my condolences to you and to all the family. Woody was always quite the character. God bless and your time of grief. Cousin Bobby.

Posted by Sara tackett on September 24, 2025

I will miss going to happy chef late nights and going to a 90 and having your daughter riding on the back of your motorcycle. Come out with you enjoying the conversation with you.

Posted by Kaylee Jane on September 24, 2025

oh how my heart aches 😞

Posted by Tammy McDonald on September 24, 2025

I’m going to miss your stories and jokes. Your hugs and advice! You were the best Uncle a Girl could ask for! My favorite memories will always include rides on the back of your bike!

Posted by Kelly Tobin on September 24, 2025

R.I.P my childhood friend and classmate. My sympathies and prayers to all of your family.

Posted by Chuck and Pat Hohn on September 24, 2025

We had a lot of fun so many years ago. It has been a long time since we last saw one another yet I have fond memories of those years.

Posted by john blasius on September 23, 2025

good guy !