Witzke, Dean Henry -- 1951 - 2005

WITZKE, ENGBRETSON, LIEBERS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 7/20/2012 at 17:55:09

Dean Witzke, 54, of Decorah, died suddenly Thursday, May 26, 2005 at the Winneshiek Medical Center, Decorah, from a pulmonary embolism.

Memorial services are Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m. at the Center for Faith and Life on the Luther College campus in the recital hall with Rev. David Vasquez officiating. There is no visitation. The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is in charge of arrangements. Dean Henry Witzke was born at Smith Memorial hospital in Decorah, Iowa on May 2,1951 to Bern Henry and Helma Leora (Engbretson) Witzke. Dean was baptized at Madison Lutheran Church and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, where he was active and served as president of Luther League. He grew up on "the Flat" and attended public school in Decorah. graduating from Thomas Roberts High 5chool in 1969. In 1973, Dean graduated from Luther College with a bachelor of Arts degree in History. After college, he lived briefly in Denver, Colorado, but eventually returned and remained in Decorah.

Dean married Patricia Liebers on 5eptember 11, 1981 at Madison Lutheran Church, they were married until July 1998. Their relationship ended as it had begun, as friends. Dean owned and operated Cafe Deluxe in Decorah from 1983 – 1998. He was currently employed at Luther College Food service.

Dean was passionate about music, sport, and politics; he played baritone sax and sang in high school and church choir in his teens. Later he became interested in many kinds of music and especially loved to attend live performances. Dean was politically active in the Decorah community his involvement ranged from the Peace Prize Forum to efforts to raise awareness and resources for peace and justice organizations like Qxfam. He was a fan of many sports participating in baseball, golf, swimming, hiking and particularly loved riding his bicycle in the hills and valley, around Decorah.

Dean is survived by his brother, Bruce Witzke of Austin, Texas, cousin Sue Engbretson of Decorah, along with many other cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Bern in 1991 and his mother Leora in 1992

Source: Schluter - Balik Funeral Home database

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