Charles “Steve” Witter

Charles Steven "Steve" Witter passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on March 2, 1948, he graduated from Columbus North High School in 1966 and served in the Ohio National Guard from 1966 to 1970. He married the love of his life, Karen June (Gibson) Witter, on March 15, 1969.

An avid Chevrolet enthusiast, he spent many weekends racing Camaros at National Trail Raceway and Pacemakers until his daughters were born. He began working at General Electric Superabrasives in Worthington, Ohio, in 1976. He spent the next 45 years keeping presses and machines running. He always joked that he could "fix anything but the crack of dawn and a broken heart."

Along the way, he fell in love with Bluegrass music and taught himself to play the Dobro guitar. He was humble and proud to share the stage with some of the greatest people in Bluegrass music. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and friends at music festivals and shows.

His wife and two daughters were the light of his life and he worked hard to provide a wonderful life for them. When his girls were grown, he welcomed his two sons-in-law into the family as if they were his own. His four grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he passed his love of music, cars, and animals on to all of them.

He was a man of integrity, humor, and kindness who never met a stranger. You never saw him without a cold Pepsi and a smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Kathryn (Pearman) Witter and Charles Elmer Witter, as well as his beloved wife of 44 years, Karen June (Gibson) Witter. He is survived by his daughters, Cindi Strahler and son-in-law Joel Strahler; grandson Jacob Strahler (Cailey), and granddaughter Emma Wolfe (Tommy); and daughter, Sara Erfle; son-in-law, Brad Erfle; grandson, Duncan Erfle, and granddaughter Evelyn Erfle.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an informal service at 6:00 p.m. at Harlem Township Grange Hall, 12900 Center Village Road in Galena, OH 43021. Friends are welcome to gather, remember, and honor Steve together. If desired, donations can be made in his memory to the Mountain Arts Center of Prestonburg, Kentucky.