Stephen E. "Steve" Witte

Stephen E. "Steve" Witte, age 70, of Moline, died Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1307-17th Avenue, Moline. Visitation is Tuesday from 3:00-7:00 p.m. with a liturgy service at 2:45 p.m. at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. 6601-38th Avenue, Moline. Burial is at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline. Memorials may be made to the Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island, or Living Lands & Waters, East Moline.
He was born July 19, 1941 to Earl and Mary Coopman Witte, Moline.
Steve was a teacher at Alleman, Coolidge and Moline High Schools for a total of 38 years. He retired from Moline High School in 2001. He was fortunate to be known by many of his past students as "their favorite teacher." It was common for Steve to have taught generations of students from the same family. He was involved in a variety of organizations and activities through the schools and was on the high court for the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, Moline. He loved to learn and constantly pursed educational opportunities. Steve graduated from Western Illinois University with his Bachelor 's degree and in 1986 with his Master's degree. He took summer courses at George Mason University. More recently, he became an Illinois Master Naturalist and subsequently volunteered hundreds of hours at the Quad City Botanical Center, and made many dear friends there. He also loved volunteering on the "grunt crew" at the John Deere Classic. He worked for and volunteered at the Quad City Arts on various projects. He was a very generous donor to a variety of local, regional, and national charities and organizations. He enjoyed playing and watching golf, and was always looking for the newest club or item to add to his golf bag. Steve loved to listen to, or tell a good joke. He loved a wide variety of musical styles, and always made sure the bass was up as high as it could go in whatever car he happened to be driving at the time. He loved outfitting his cars with "the extras."
He is survived by his very special girlfriend of over 30 years, Dawn Fensterbusch of Moline.
Children Steve Witte Davenport
Cathie (Perry) Rochau Moline
Granddaughter Hollie Rochau Moline
Sister Stephanie (Larry) Reineke Davenport
Brother Greg (Karyn) Witte Davenport
Aunt Sr. Mary Ruth Coopman Peoria
Nephews Mike Reineke, Matt Reineke and Jeff Witte
Niece Annette Witte Eberhardt
Numerous cousins
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Online condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.