Deborah “Deb” Wittenberg Angeln

Obituary

Deborah Lynn Wittenberg Angeln was born on October 21, 1950, in Gaylord, Minnesota, the daughter of Edwin and Verda (Bergs) Wittenberg. She was baptized on November 26, 1950, by Pastor Alf. Streufert and later confirmed on May 17, 1964, by Pastor L. E. Vogel Sr. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glencoe, Minnesota. Throughout her life and her education, Deb was a quick learner, entering kindergarten at age 4 already knowing how to count well into the hundreds.  Her love of learning and everything school-related was evident as she worked her way through Helen Baker Elementary School and Glencoe Junior and Senior High School.  Deb graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1968 with a lengthy string of awards and achievements in band, choir, theatre, speech, debate, and everything else she joined. After high school, Deb continued her love of learning, notably her love of art, music, and communications, at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Art.  Later, Deb also completed graduate work towards a Behavioral Analysis major.

On February 21, 1970, Deb married W. Charles Woyke, a fellow GAC student, at Christ Chapel on the Gustavus campus. They made their home at Lake Emily outside of St. Peter, where they spent many hours in their music studio making and recording original blues, jazz, popular music, as well as cover music of their favorite rock classics and other genres with their friends. They shared their love of music at area local gathering spots with the band she formed and led, all while both were also employed at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center. 

After the marriage of 25 years ended, Deb turned her love of art, music, history, and architecture toward thoughtfully designing and building her new home construction project on property overlooking Lake Jefferson outside of Cleveland, Minnesota. Her attention to detail and her passion for everything Medieval and Renaissance were clear in every construction and décor choice for the interior and the exterior of her home.  Her home held deep meaning for her.  It stood as a reflection of her creativity, her love of history and ancestry, her strength and courage, and the beauty with which she surrounded herself. She considered her home her sanctuary, and where she sought her Lord.  Because of the English Cotswold "look", her neighbors on the lake nicknamed the house on the hill the “Gingerbread House.”

While Deb embraced this home construction process, she also faced a myriad of health challenges, which meant periods of time away from home in various healing and assisted living locations over her last twenty years.  Most recently, she enjoyed living at Prairie Senior Cottages in Hutchinson, as both Carol and Wanda Vicki were residing in Hutchinson at that time. 

Deb enjoyed music, meals, and Hallmark movies with residents at Prairie Senior Cottages.  She looked upon the residents and staff there as her greater family, and wanted to be with them at her end.  She passed peacefully in Prairie Hospice, surrounded by family and friends, on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the age of 75 years and 1 month.

Deborah is survived by her
Mother, Verda Wittenberg of Glencoe, MN;
Sisters, Carol Carlson (Brian) of Hutchinson, MN, Wanda “Vicki” Bierlein (Paul) of Hutchinson, MN;
Nieces and Nephews, Estee Carlson (partner, Chad Carlson), Kailey Carlson (Josh Fridgen), Andy Manther (Melissa), Dan Manther (Tawnie);
Great-Nieces and Great-Nephews, MiKayla Carlson (partner, Nick Olson), Kaylee Manther, Khloe Manther; Beau Manther, Lily Manther, Amelia Fridgen;
Former husband, W. Charles Woyke;
Other relatives and friends.

Deborah was preceded in death by her Father, Edwin Wittenberg; Brother-in-law, Daniel Ostlund; Grandparents, Edward and Lily Bergs; and John and Adina Wittenberg, uncles and aunts, and cousins.