Amanda Haugen, 31
Amanda (Wittenberg) Haugen of Crosslake, formerly of South Haven, died unexpectedly on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. She was 31.
Funeral services were held at
11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kimball, with Pastor Jim Gimbel officiating. Burial followed at Fair Haven Cemetery. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Annandale and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church in Kimball.
Amanda Lee Wittenberg was born on Jan. 6, 1994, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Larry and Patty (Smith) Wittenberg. Known to many as Mandy, she grew up in rural South Haven and graduated from Kimball Area High School, Class of 2012.
Following her deep calling to care for others, Amanda pursued a career in nursing, first becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and later advancing to Registered Nurse (RN).
Throughout her career, Amanda was drawn to long-term care, where her genuine empathy, gentle spirit, and unwavering compassion touched the lives of countless residents and their families. Her most recent role as Director of Nursing at Golden Horizons in Crosslake was not just a job – it was an extension of her heart. She poured love and dedication into her work, always taking time to form meaningful connections with those she served and worked alongside. Whether sitting beside a resident to offer comfort, or encouraging her fellow nurses during difficult shifts, Amanda brought warmth, strength, happiness, and compassion.
Amanda’s kindness extended far beyond her professional life. She was a loyal daughter, sister, and aunt. Her relationships were rooted in love and authenticity. She had a playful, sometimes stubborn streak, but her zest for life and love for others were always at the forefront. Amanda was an avid basketball fan and player, loved to snowboard, and she was a proud dog mom to Duke and Nova, who brought her immense joy.
Amanda’s life, though far too short, was rich in purpose and meaning. She will be remembered not only for her clinical skill and dedication but for her compassionate heart, her gentle presence, and the enduring bonds she built with so many.
Amanda was preceded in death by her father, Larry Wittenberg; stepfather David Gothier; grandpa Sherrill Smith; and uncle Terry Smith.
She is survived by her mother, Patty Gothier (and Jim Slentz) of South Haven; sisters Michelle Marquette of Kimball and Megan Wittenberg of St. Cloud; nephews Adam, Levi, Nathan, and Ethan Marquette; great-nephew, Baylen; grandma Eva Smith of Kimball; close family member who was like an uncle to Amanda, Dan Wittenberg; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, residents, and dear colleagues.
Adam, Levi, Nathan, and Ethan Marquette, and Dan, Connor, and Cameron Wittenberg served as casket bearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Kimball.
Obituary, Guestbook, and Video Tribute online at www.dingmann
funeral.com.