Peter T. DeWitte, 94, of St. Charles, the son of Norwegian immigrants, died of heart failure Saturday, Jan. 11, in Rosewood Care Center in St. Charles. Mr. DeWitte came to the Geneva/St. Charles area with his family from Norway, Mich., at age 11. His parents chose to make their home in the Fox River Valley after learning about the large Scandinavian population there. “We actually have pictures taken just moments after their train arrived in downtown Geneva,” said his niece, Fran Johnson. “One photo is of the whole family leaning against a brick wall that still stands today. They came with land leases in their hands and were met by a group of Belgian immigrants who offered them warm beverages and helped them find their way to a shelter.” In World War II, Mr. DeWitte served stateside in the Army. He retired from DuKane Corp. in St. Charles after 35 years of service working various jobs in the plant’s stockroom. “He was a bachelor all his life, but kept very busy with all his outside interests,” said his niece. Other survivors include his sister, Margaret Cailliau, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Norris Funeral Home, 100 S. 3rd St., St. Charles, where a liturgical wake will be held at 7:30 p.m. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday in St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 E. Main St., St. Charles.
