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