Josephine (Josie) Witczak, Galena, MO, daughter of Frank and Frances (Stupec) Kafka, was born March 20, 1946, in Chicago, and departed this life on January 19, 2025, at the age of 78.

Josephine was the youngest of five children and was nicknamed "Cookie" growing up.  Josephine graduated St. Alphonsus Commercial High School in Chicago IL in 1962.

Josephine married Michael Jardine in 1964.  They settled in Streamwood, where they raised their three children: Gina, Michael and Denise. They later divorced in 1986.

Josephine went to Elgin Community College and received her Nursing Assistant Certification. Josephine worked as a certified nursing assistant for home health agencies and nursing homes. She absolutely loved working for Nurses to You, Ltd in Roselle, IL until they closed. Josephine was known by her employers, coworkers and patients for her compassion and how she loved caring for her patients.

In her thirties, Josephine discovered her love and gift for painting. She mostly enjoyed painting landscapes and animals.

In 1993, Josephine married Frank Witczak and they settled in Hanover Park, IL. Later, they built a house together overlooking Table Rock Lake, moving to Galena, MO in 2005. Josephine and Frank attended Lakewood Church (Ignite) in Branson West, MO. While living in the South, she preferred to be called Josie.

Josephine gave her life to Jesus in the early 1970's, and her faith became a central part of her life. She would often encourage her family, recite Bible verses and speak about her love for Christ. Josephine was passionate about worshiping Jesus and sharing Him with others.  In the months leading up to her passing, she could frequently be found in her bedroom, singing worship songs with all her heart.

Having smoked for 40 years, Josephine had COPD, emphysema and received a new diagnosis of lung cancer and became oxygen dependent shortly after moving to Missouri. Her prognosis was grim, but God had a different plan. During a follow-up visit for more testing, the doctors were astonished to find no trace of cancer—something that couldn't be explained medically! God blessed Josephine with an additional 19+ years of life in Missouri.

Since 2019, Josephine's health began to decline. Eight weeks before she passed, Josephine moved to a Point Lookout Nursing and Rehab facility, unable to manage her care on her own. There, she received excellent care from the staff, who showered her with love and compassion until the very end.

Josephine is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Frances Kafka, one son, Michael Jardine, one brother, Frank Kafka, and former husband Michael Jardine.

Josephine is survived by her husband of thirty-one years, Frank Witczak, two daughters, Gina (Mark) Riefke, and Denise (Shawn) Beyerle, step children, Jennifer (Jim) Rooney, Frank (Shama) Witczak Jr, and Daniel Joseph "DJ" Witczak, siblings, Dave (Jan) Bechtold, Carol Renkiewicz, and Jerry (Laura) Kafka, twelve grandchildren: Tim Riefke, Kaylee Beyerle, Noah J. Rooney, Nicholas J. Rooney, Karissa Witczak, Ayman Witczak, Maria Witczak, Aiden Witczak, Francesca Witczak, Frank Louis Witczak Jr V, Hailey Witczak, Brianna Witczak, and one great grandchild, Emmy Witczak.

The family will receive friends prior to the service at 9:30 a.m., at Village Church of Bartlett, 601 W. Bartlett Road, Bartlett, IL 60103, on May 17th. A "Celebration of Life" will be held at Village Church of Bartlett, following the visitation at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, Josephine will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL.