July 25, 1960 - May 6, 2025
Jeffrey R. “Jeff” Wiita, passed away unexpectedly on May 6, 2025 at the age of 64 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Sandy Wiita, his daughters, Krysti (Jory) Phillips and Kayti (Peter) Jackson, and granddaughter, Delaney Phillips. He is also survived by sisters, Linda (Brad) Ehlenfeldt, June (Mike) Noldin, Sandy (Roy) Levin, and Lesli Wiita, along with several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Harriet Wiita.
He was born in Duluth, Minnesota, on July 25, 1960. Jeff eventually moved to the Twin Cities and later to Ocala, Florida. Growing up in northern Minnesota, he spent years hunting and fishing with his dad and cousins, which continued to be a life long passion. While he continued to enjoy spending time in the woods, he loved sharing the experience with others by teaching them to hunt and sharing stories over meals even more. He loved to take others fishing, helping reignite their passion for it, then hosting the annual church fish fry with everyone’s catch.
Jeff shared his love and devotion to his family by building and remodeling several family homes, remodeling dance studios, and building theatre sets for both of his daughters’ many theatre productions. He always had a new project going and was delighted to share his progress with anyone who stopped to chat.
He loved traveling with his family and meeting new people from different backgrounds to discuss politics and to get a better understanding of their world. He always had big conversations and ideas that he wanted to share with everyone he met, and he said he never wanted to go a day without learning something new. He loved attending the Cowboy Church in Micanopy, Florida and telling others all about it. His faith in God brought a light to this world that will be deeply missed with his passing.
The Celebration of Life service is being held at The Church at Triple Cross Ranch in Micanopy, Florida on May 18 immediately following the 11am Sunday church service. Phyllis Mardel Edwards, wife of Triple Cross Church’s Pastor Norm Edwards, will have a live stream of the church service and then the Celebration of Life service available on her Facebook page.
Celebration of Life
Sunday, May 18, 2025
Following 11:00AM Church Service
Church At Triple Cross Ranch
20740 NW 100th Avenue Road
Micanopy, FL 32667
Live stream of the church service & Celebration of Life service available on Phyillis Mardel Edwards's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/phyllis.edwards17.
We were so sorry to hear about Jeff passing away. We haven’t known Sandy and Jeff very long but always enjoyed being in their company and listening to Jeff talk about his latest fishing experiences and all their travel plans. Our thought’s and prayers are with Sandy and all the family.
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from Heaven. As is the earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
1 Corinthians 15-45:49
See you soon Jeff, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Maran-atha, my love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Sandy, I remember you fondly from working with you at Park Nicollet and how much you cared for your patients and that they just thought the world of you.
I just heard about the tragic loss of your dear husband and want you to know how sorry I am and that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Judy, for your kind words. I really appreciate you reaching out. We need all the prayers we can get right now.