Delores M. "Dee" Wittenberg

With deep sorrow and even deeper love, we celebrate the life of Delores "Dee" M. Wittenberg, who went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 3rd, at the age of 88.

Delores was more than a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great grandmother-she was the heartbeat of her family. Her life was a living testimony of faith in Jesus and a love so generous it spilled over into every hug, every meal, every smile.

On February 15, 1958, Dee married her sweetheart, Don, in Minnesota City. Together they built a life that carried them across the country and beyond-Kansas, California, Puerto Rico, Florida, Arizona, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Dee embraced the adventure, making friends wherever she went and turning each new house into a home filled with laughter, good food, and open arms.

When Don retired from the Air Force, they returned to Winona and spent 20 joyful years on their hobby farm. Dee thrived there raising her family, working as a District Sales Manager for Avon, and welcoming neighbors with her trademark warmth. Later, she and Don settled in Rochester, where her home became a gathering place for generations.

Dee's kitchen was her kingdom. She cooked like she was feeding an army, and no one ever left hungry. Her love language was food, and she delighted in seeing her family gathered around a table overflowing with her meals and desserts. She believed that every bite carried love, and she served it with joy.

She found beauty in the simple things: butterflies dancing in the garden, songbirds greeting the morning, flowers blooming in every color. For 30 years she walked faithfully, 2–3 miles a day, showing her quiet determination and zest for life. Her decorating style was eclectic and layered-just like her personality-always colorful, always full of surprises.

Her faith was her anchor. Even in the face of cancer, Delores' trust in God's goodness never wavered. She was at peace, ready for eternal life, and her family drew strength from her courage.

Delores is survived by her devoted husband, Don, her loving children Daniel (Tammy), Cynthia (John), Thomas, Stephen (Diane), and Cheri (Mo); her grandchildren Jennifer (Brandon), Jessica, Jill (Trent), Thomas, Joshua, Janelle (Cane), Jacob, Ryan, Dylan, and Oliver; and her great grandchildren Jordan, Corbin, Kyler, Hudson, Wesley, Braylon, Paxton, Ronan, Jackson, and Keon. She is also survived by her siblings Edwin Jr. (Nora), Robert (JoAnn), Gerald, Theresa, Pat, and Albert (Jackie) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Sophia and Edwin Butenhoff, her sister Mary, her daughter in law Betty, and many beloved in laws.

Dee leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. She taught us that family is everything, that hugs should be big, and that dessert is never optional. Though our hearts ache, we smile through tears knowing she is at peace in the arms of Jesus. Rest in peace Darling, Mom and Grandma. Your love will continue to guide us, your faith will inspire us, and your joy will live forever in our hearts.

A Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held privately for family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org) or Unbound (https://www.unbound.org) in her memory.