Reverend Deanna M. Woodward Death, Obituary – Reverend Deanna Marie Woodward, 66, of Preston, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and community service. Her life was marked by a deep commitment to the ministry, love for her family, and a passion for enriching the lives of others.
 Early Life and Education
Deanna Marie Sigrist was born on September 30th, 1958, in Zumbrota, Minnesota, to Kenneth and Lennis (Rauenhorst) Sigrist. Raised on a dairy farm in rural Pine Island alongside her younger brother Bryan, she developed a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility that shaped her life. Deanna attended Pine Island Schools and graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class in 1976, showcasing her academic excellence early on.
Her intellectual curiosity and desire to serve others led her to Hamline University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Religion in 1980. It was during her time at Hamline that she met the love of her life, Reverend Mark Alan Woodward. The couple married on June 21st, 1980, in Deanna’s hometown of Pine Island before embarking on their shared journey of ministry.
A Calling to Serve: Ministry and Ordination
Deanna and Mark moved to Evanston, Illinois, where they both attended Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, graduating together in 1983. In 1985, Deanna was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to her faith and community. Her first internship took place at West Ridge in Chicago, Illinois, before she and Mark returned to Minnesota, where Deanna began serving several United Methodist churches.
From 1983 to 1991, Deanna served the congregations of Wykoff and Fountain, followed by Evangel United Methodist Church in Rochester from 1995 to 2003. Later in her ministry, she served in Plainview and Kellogg, Minnesota, and most recently at the Maple Leaf Parish, which includes the churches of Fountain, Cherry Grove, Spring Valley, and Preston. Her compassionate leadership, wisdom, and unwavering faith touched countless lives throughout her ministry.
 Family Life and Personal Interests
While Deanna was devoted to her calling, her greatest joy was her family. In the early 1990s, she took an extended leave from ministry to be a stay-at-home mom to her two daughters, Laura and Amy. Her time with them was precious, and she cherished every moment spent raising them.
Outside of her ministry and family, Deanna had a variety of hobbies that reflected her love of life. She enjoyed reading, gardening, traveling across the United States on bus tours, and exploring garage sales. However, her most treasured role in recent years was that of a grandmother. She delighted in every moment spent with her five grandchildren—Daniel, Molly, and Grace Riess, and Connor and Sophia Cahill—who brought her endless joy and laughter.
 A Life of Faith Remembered
Deanna’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, but her spirit will continue to inspire those she touched. She is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Reverend Mark Alan Woodward; her daughters Laura (John) Riess and Amy (Wilson) Cahill; her five grandchildren; her brother Bryan (Kris) Sigrist; her aunt Carol Montgomery; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Lennis Sigrist, along with several aunts, uncles, and cousins who were dear to her heart.
 Final Farewell and Service Details
Family, friends, and the community will gather to honor Reverend Deanna Woodward’s life and legacy. A visitation will be held on Monday, October 7th, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Her life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., also at Faith United Methodist Church, with an additional hour of visitation prior to the service.
Following the service, Deanna will be laid to rest at the United Methodist Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota. In remembrance of Reverend Deanna Woodward’s life of service, her family, friends, and congregants will carry forward her legacy of kindness, faith, and love. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her impact on the lives she touched will endure for generations to come.
