In a tragic incident that has deeply saddened the Wisconsin community, six family members perished in a house fire in Necedah.
The Juneau County Sheriff's Office identified the victims as 66-year-old Steven Witte, his daughters Charis Kuehl, 38, and Lydia Witte, 35, along with three of his granddaughters, ages 2, 5, and 8. The sheriff's office has not released the names of the children.
The fire, which occurred early Sunday morning, has left the community in mourning. Sheriff Andrew Zobal has not yet responded to further inquiries from the Associated Press regarding the incident.
Steven Witte was a respected former pastor and missionary. He served at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Green Bay from 2001 to 2009 and also worked as a missionary in Thailand. His dedication to his faith and community was well known and appreciated.
In a joint statement, the staff at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod President Mark Schroeder expressed their profound grief over the loss. They highlighted Witte’s contributions and the devastating impact of losing not just a respected leader but also his daughters and granddaughters.
The Rev. Larry Schlomer, WELS World Missions Administrator, conveyed the immense sorrow felt by all who knew the family. He explained that the family had been holding a get-together at the house when the fire broke out, turning a joyous occasion into a moment of unimaginable tragedy.
"It was such a tremendous loss, that many deaths within the same family," Schlomer said, reflecting the sentiments of many who knew the Witte family.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, with the state fire marshal assisting in the probe. Preliminary findings suggest that the fire was accidental, though the exact cause has yet to be determined.
As the investigation continues, the community rallies around the surviving family members, offering support and condolences during this heartbreaking time. The loss of Steven Witte, his daughters, and granddaughters is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the deep connections that bind families and communities together.
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