Debra "Debbie" Goedtel – Rochester

Debra Louise Goedtel, 70, of Rochester, MN, died peacefully on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at her home in Rochester, surrounded by loving family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Debbie was born on October 19, 1953, in Wadena, MN to Kenneth and Madonna (Johnson) Aldrich. She graduated from Wadena High School in 1971.

On May 4, 1974, she married William (Bill) L. Goedtel in Wadena, MN.  They were happily married for over 41 years.  Bill and Debbie made their home in Rochester, MN, and in retirement, enjoyed traveling and spending time at the lake.

She selflessly cared for her husband Bill following a severe motor vehicle accident in 2004, transitioning from her career at the University of Minnesota-Rochester into caring full-time for Bill.

Following the passing of her husband in 2016, Debbie spent winter months in Indio, CA and moved to Indio in 2018.  She returned to Rochester, MN in 2020 to be near family.

Her hobbies included traveling, reading, several needlework crafts, including building her craft "stash," cooking, laughing and telling funny stories over a glass of good wine while spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her two children Brandon (Jessica) Goedtel of Byron, MN and Carissa (Aaron) Wiens of Rochester, MN; four grandchildren, Addison and Chloe Wiens and Gracia and Gaston Goedtel; and other relatives and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her husband Bill and her parents Kenneth and Madonna Aldrich.

Celebration of Life Service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester with the Rev. Hayden Kvamme officiating.  Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday.   In honor of Debbie's memory, please dress in cheerful attire. A private interment will be at Zumbro Lutheran Church Columbarium.

The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic Hospice for the care and support they provided to Debbie and her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial gifts to Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com