David Wittenberg
Friday, July 1, 1949
Date of Death:
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Age:
75 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday October 18, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday October 19, 2024
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Oakwood Cemetery East [ view map ]
Livestream
Click here to view the livestream of the service.
Friday, July 1, 1949
Date of Death:
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Age:
75 years old
Friday, July 1, 1949
Date of Death:
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Age:
75 years old
David Wittenberg
David Gideon Wittenberg, 75 of Rochester, went to his heavenly father on October 9, 2024 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, three brothers-in-law and baby Wittenberg. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 56 years Kris, his daughter Lisa (Brett) Porthan of Ely MN, son David (Mandy) of Mankato MN, his daughter Amy(Erik) Porthan of Minneapolis, MN and his grandchildren Adam, Lauren, Jack, Parker and Lucia.
Dave touched many lives with his larger-than-life personality, his wonderful sense of humour, his adventurous will, and love for his family and friends. He had an incredible work ethic and was a successful banker for over forty years, first at Norwest/Wells Fargo and later Sterling State Bank in Rochester. He helped many people achieve their financial dreams. Dave believed in serving his community and sat on many boards such as the United Way, Ronald McDonald House and the Ambassadors. He also filled his life with travel, loving the time he spent in Europe and Alaska with Kris and the many motorcycle trips he took with her and friends. He also treasured the days he spent fishing, hunting, and his long walks in the woods. Dave was an exceptional craftsman creating beautiful wooden furniture which included making a bookcase for Kris and wooden cradles for his grandchildren. Dave also loved creating a beautiful garden where he shared the fruits of his labour with family, friends, and the neighbourhood. He could often be seen walking his beloved dogs and smoking a cigar, greeting all who crossed his path. One of his greatest joys was seeing smoke come from his chimney as he prided himself on finding free wood, chopping it and stacking many cords each year to keep his family warm all winter long. Dave loved life, loved his family, loved his friends and his community, and served all of them with great passion and integrity. He would want all of us to continue to live life to the fullest, to take in the beauty around us, feel the wind in our hair, and keep the music turned up!
The Memorial Service for Dave will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00AM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Friday evening, October 18, 2024 from 4:00PM until 6:00PM in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, along with one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be at Oakwood East Cemetery, NE Rochester.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to one of the following places that the family holds dear to them: Ronald McDonald House of Rochester, Micheal J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research or Mayo Hospice of Mankato.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of David Wittenberg has received the following condolences.
Dear Kris and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We got to know Dave through our business and he was a big part of our success. He was always friendly and quick to give advice if you asked. He genuinely cared about you and your family. Even after he retired and we sold our business we stayed in touch. He was a good guy, and he will be missed. ( Kris you did a great job watching our girls)
With love,
Dan and Pat Robnik
Apache Junction AZ
Lisa, Kris, and family,
We are so sorry for the passing of Dave. You are in our thoughts and we are sending prayers for all on this journey. There are such great memories from such an important time in our lives.
All our Love and prayers
Dear Kris and family<
I was saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I have so many fond memories of times we spent together when I lived in Rochester. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sending hugs and love.
Ann Thiel Sadowski
Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Witnessing the family rally has showcased beautiful great love that Dave, no doubt felt! May you all find a sense of peace.
Much Love,
Kerry and Chad Norling
Kris and family, my thoughts and prayers.
Dave was a big part of my life when my father passed away in 1993. Dave was our banker for our business and when my dad passed away Dave and I had many great conversations about life and the business. I was a young man having to step into the business game and Dave was their to help at every step along the way. Dave was a big part in the continued success of our business.
I can honestly say Dave was like a second father to me, which meant the world to me.
Sincerely
Dave and Cheryl Cordie
Palmer Alaska
Sending our love and wishing you peace and comfort through this journey. He will always be with you!
Love,
The Loosbrock's
(Friends of David and Mandy Family)
Kris and family
I have had a long time friendship with Dave and you since your move to this area in Dodge Center many years ago and Dave's employment at the Norwest Bank in Dodge Center. He has been a great mentor to me with my business and always respected our business relationship believing in others. I did appraisals for Dave since those early days in Dodge Center. I remember many conversations with Dave always telling me about your kids accomplishments over the years. I feel like i watched them grow and become adults as Dave always kept me in the loop. I remember visiting with you and Dave at your home in Meadow Park and saw first hand his woodworking and, the pile of wood for the wood stove and of course the "bike". He was proud of all his abilities and everything being so neat and orderly. We moved our offices to a new location last week and what a coincidence last week when i ran across a letter Dave, as VP at NorWest Banks wrote to my father on February 13th,1985 congratulating him on a new Appraisal designation he received. He took the time to care and congratulate my father and this is what Dave would do. I am very sorry for your loss. Dave was really someone who cared for family and friends. I am sure you have many memories with the family and friends and keep those memories in a special place as i will do with my memories and conversations. Dave was a special person who cared for everyone. I am sorry i will be out of town this weekend and will miss the wake and funeral.
Chuck and Mary Kay springer
Dear Kris and family
Praying for you this am.
i had hopes to come to the funeral but it won’t work out.
i have very precious memories of how you shared your home with us during Steve’s treatment at Mayo! You all are a God send to us
Kris and family,
We have not met you but live in Centurion Hills. Please accept our condolences and sympathies at this sad time. Dave sounded like a stellar human being who left a good big footprint!
Very sorry to read this news of David's passing. I have very fond memories of him from Monroe Junior High School and the Forest Park neighborhood.
Lisa, Kris, and family:
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing~we both have so many fond memories of Dave and your family. Sending you love and prayers.
Love,
Nick and Nikki Papke