Age 62 - loving mother & wonderful wife of 34 years
After a 13+ year battle with breast cancer she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving children & husband on July 17, 2016. Debra’s faith and outlook on life allowed her to live life fully, despite her cancer. Deb will be remembered for being fun, spunky, feisty, fearless, a bit of mischief, a robust laugh and an easy smile. She enjoyed boating, fishing, camping, bonfires, her cabin, a good game of Hand & Foot, Rum and Coke’s, road trips and the State Fair! She was a loving wife and a devoted mom, focusing her life on raising Dane and Callie to be loving, honest, open, accomplished and filled their lives with family memories in a shorter time frame than most. Our lives were full because of her dedication to family, sense of adventure and love of travel. Deb’s attention to detail made each holiday, event or trip unique and special. Deb was a sunset girl, experienced on shores and beaches, always took time to give thanks for a beautiful day and the start of a fun evening. Deb received a BS (‘78) in Early Childhood Education from St. Cloud State University, taught for a short time, then a Surgery Buyer at St John’s hospital where she met Dan. They were married in ‘82. Became a full time homemaker with Dane’s birth in ‘83, followed by Callie in ‘89. She used her love of teaching to volunteer at the kid’s grade schools as play lady, field trip and dance chaperone, fundraiser and Sunday School teacher. She made every event and yet ensured family dinners were the foundation for our family. She adored all of Dane and Callie’s friends; invited them into our home for sleep-overs, parties, bonfires, talks on the porch, road trips in the church van, cabin stays, boat trips, parties in NYC and infamous pancake breakfasts! Deb loved her friends, always invested and enjoyed their whole families. Special thanks to Carol, Jane, Jan, Stacy, Connie, Kathy, Donna, Cathy, Amy, Mary, Becky, Sherri and their spouses, friends that stood with Deb, helped Deb and supported us through her battle with cancer. Preceded in death by father Callie (Jake) Kramer. Survived by husband Dan, son Dane (Dave), daughter Callie, mother Lorraine, sister Shari (Jim), brother Dennis (Pattie), special Aunt Gern and Uncle Marv Sandin and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Dr. Douglas Yee UofM Masonic Cancer Center and dedicated team: Karen, Kathy, Kate, Sheila, Amy & Nancy; and Dr. Bronagh Murphy, Dr. Warren McGuire & Judy of MOPA.Memorial service 12 PM, Mon. July 25 at ST. ANDREW’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 Stillwater Rd. Mahtomedi, MN. Please join us for a gathering beginning at 10:30 AM. Flowers, or Memorial to (U of M Masonic Breast Cancer, Dr. Douglas Yee).