The community is grieving.
Pastor Steve Witte, a missionary affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), tragically lost his life along with five family members in a fire at a vacation rental near Wisconsin Dells, as announced by the Synod.
Mark Schroeder, President of WELS, expressed deep sorrow over the devastating loss, stating, “Yesterday, we received the news of a terrible tragedy. Six members of an extended family lost their lives in a house fire at a vacation rental near Wisconsin Dells, Wis.”
Schroeder emphasized the comfort found in faith during such profound grief, saying, “The pain of losing six members of one family cannot be described with words. The only thing that can begin to bring comfort in such a time of grievous loss are the words that God himself speaks to us. Those words remind us that these members of our extended WELS family are now resting in perfect joy and peace at the side of their Savior.”
The victims included Pastor Witte, who had served as a missionary in Thailand, his daughters Lydia Witte and Charis Kuehl, and three granddaughters, Stella Kuehl, Lena Henselin, and Merci Henselin.
According to the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, the fire was reported around 2:35 a.m. on Sunday at the rental property on Morros Mile Road in Necedah. Firefighters worked tirelessly for over three hours to contain the blaze, with investigations suggesting the fire was accidental.
Neighbor Nadine Zielinski recounted hearing what she thought were fireworks before discovering the fire. She recalled the family’s plans for a Fourth of July celebration and expressed shock at the tragic turn of events.
Pastor Larry Schlomer, WELS World Missions Administrator, shared heartbreaking details about Pastor Witte’s final moments, explaining that he initially escaped the fire but returned upon learning his grandchildren were still inside. Despite his efforts, Pastor Witte did not survive.
Schlomer remembered Pastor Witte’s dedication to spreading the Gospel, highlighting his leadership of the WELS Asia Missions Team and his commitment to his family, who had gathered to spend time with him upon his return from overseas missions.
The entire WELS community mourns the loss of Pastor Witte and his family, reflecting on his legacy of faith and service as they come to terms with this tragic event.