Obituary of Anita Eileen Wittkop Holbein

On January 20th, 2021, just shy of her 60th birthday, Anita Wittkop Holbein lost her long and difficult battle with depression. She was a bright and shining light to all who knew and loved her, a light that was eclipsed by an illness she fought bravely against. Her memory is carried on by her 3 children, 2 grandchildren, 6 surviving brothers and sisters, former husband and friend, a plethora of nieces and nephews and many friends. Throughout her life Anita (“Needa”) taught us many lessons and left us with a lifetime of laughs. Some notable highlights include:

Doilies can be placed anywhere and everywhere. Remember, “some little old lady spent hours crocheting this!”

You are required to make a farting noise when poking pork butt with your fork, and are always to compare the jello at Thanksgiving to your thighs when you’re walking up the stairs. Be sure to jiggle the dish around for visual effect.

Always, ALWAYS keep a fistful of fast food napkins in your glove compartment. You never know when you’ll need them.

Play in the dirt as often as you can. Plant flowers. Remember to loosen up the roots before planting them, and that sprinkling water directly on the petals can burn them in the sun.

Be sure to shave your legs somewhat regularly, as “you never know when you could be hit by a bus.”

Stop at children’s lemonade stands and tip them a little extra, but dump it out when you drive around the corner, as “you probably don’t want to drink that.”

Always walk against traffic and keep your head “on a swivel.” Don’t forget to swing your arms. “People that don’t swing their arms when they walk are lazy.” Only floss the teeth you want to keep.

Keep a tweezers on you at all times. You never know when one of those pig hairs will sprout up on your chin.

Don’t pass up the chance to stop at a rummage sale. You never know what treasures are waiting for you to find. “These shoes have never even been worn, picked them up for only $2.00! You know how much these cost brand new?”

Don’t do a job unless you’re going to do it right.

Your character is defined by the actions you take when no one is around to see them.

Worrying isn’t going to change anything, it is the thief of serenity. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

Needa was, above all else, a giver. “The takers eat better but the givers sleep better.” She thought of everyone else before herself, stashed away all her savings to give to her children when they were in the midst of another “crisis,” and always came back from her rummage sale adventures with thoughtful gifts for family and friends. She would never miss a phone call, well, unless she was napping with a bowl of sunflower seeds.

She was a strong and hard worker, having spent many years working for Sears, Menards, and as a professional home cleaner. Her hands were calloused and rough from years of tough work, but her hugs were warm and soft. She’d toil away all day and then come home and clean the house - you knew she was cleaning when you heard Dave Mathews Band and could smell the Comet Cleaner floating down the stairs.

She was a mother not only to her own kids, but to her many nieces, nephews and even the neighborhood kids. That loud whistle of hers would always bring a pack of hungry children running home for dinner after a long day of play. She put her own needs and happiness on the back burner to ensure her children had what they needed.

Her brothers and sisters were deeply cherished and were her best of friends. When they would get together there was always the chance that someone might laugh until they peed their pants. They were her earthly angels and pillars of strength when times grew dark.

Needa’s love and humor will be missed by all who knew her, as she was impossible to forget. Anita was preceded in death by her parents Larry Wittkop and Dorothy Wittkop Grill, brothers Joe and John Wittkop, sister-in-law and dear friend Karen Wittkop, brother-in-law Daryl Hebert and niece Theresa Szymczak. She is survived by her daughters Rachel (Daniel Lind) and Alora, son Kevin (Accacia) and their children Silas and Freya, her sisters Patricia Hebert, Micki (Bob) Szymczak, Debb Wittkop, and brothers Mark, Jim (Kim), Tim (MaryAnn), Steve (Liana) Wittkop, many nieces and nephews, former husband and close friend Jay Holbein, her “Meadowlands family”, good friend Shannon Ralidak and numerous other friends.

A celebration of Anita’s life and memory will be held at a date later to be determined. Memorials are preferred and can be sent to Rachel Lind-Holbein at 4326 West 5th Street, Duluth, MN 55807.

“People who commit suicide often leave this world believing they are incapable of doing anything good. Be that good thing that they did.” Remember that this too shall pass, and if you are having dark thoughts to reach out for help. You are loved. You deserve to be here. There is always hope.

Call your mom while you still can. Tell her you love her.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-825