Ottilie Erna Freundt

DURHAM, NC – Ottilie Erna (Wink) Freundt, age 88, died at Duke Regional Hospital on Friday, October 11, 2024. She was born in Warnitz, Germany, on Saturday, January 4, 1936, to the late Albert Wink and Maria (Fitzel) Wink.

Ottilie, known affectionately as Otti, graduated with a nursing degree from Hubertus Krankenhaus in Berlin in 1955. In May 1959, she emigrated to the United States, embarking on a new chapter in her life. Her nursing career led her to Durham County General Hospital in 1979, where she worked on the mother/baby floor (4-3), forging lifelong friendships with her fellow nurses. Otti's life was rich with diverse interests and accomplishments. She became a proud United States citizen in September 1971. Her love story with Karl Freundt began in Berlin in 1956, leading to their engagement in 1957 and a unique series of three weddings in 1958 to satisfy German, church, and American military requirements. They celebrated their anniversary on August 30th, with Karl often joking that Otti was his "third wife."

Since 1975, Otti was a devoted member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she found joy in ministering to homebound seniors. Her passion for the outdoors manifested in frequent visits to national parks, the Eno River, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Duke Gardens, as well as in her own gardening pursuits. Otti's artistic flair was evident in her exquisite, pressed flower cards and intricate beaded ornaments, which she lovingly crafted and generously shared with family and friends as cherished gifts. Her culinary skills, particularly in baking, were legendary among family and friends, as was her ability to create a welcoming atmosphere with beautifully set tables. A lover of Mozart's music, Otti infused her home with both melody and warmth.

Otti's greatest happiness came from time spent with her family. Her nurturing spirit touched not only her immediate loved ones but extended to all those fortunate enough to know her. Through countless acts of kindness and thoughtfulness, Otti built a legacy of love, creativity, and unwavering dedication.

Otti is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Karl Freundt of Durham, NC; children, Marion Carden (Randy) of Durham, NC, and Mark Freundt (Kim) of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren, Lauren Young (Mark) of Graham, NC, Stacey Carden of Durham, NC, Ben Freundt of Jupiter, FL, and Anna Freundt of Chantilly, VA; great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Miles, Cassidy, and Virginia Young of Graham, NC; sister, Friedel Block (Tomi) of Hennigsdorf, Germany; dear friend, Najla Kurani of Gloucester, VA; and numerous loved ones throughout Germany. Otti was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Maria Wink, and her brother, Alfred Wink.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1200 W Cornwallis Rd, Durham. Friends and family may pay their respects during a visitation prior to the ceremony at the church. Following the memorial, Otti will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, 3712 Cheek Rd., Durham.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. 

The Freundt family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.