Debra Michele Nelson (Duerr)

Debra Michele Nelson, died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at CHI, St. Alexius Hospital, Devils Lake, ND.  She was born on December 9, 1964 in Langdon, North Dakota to Phyllis (Lee) Duerr Schwan and Alfred Duerr.  She grew up in Garski, ND and went to school in Starkweather, ND and graduated in 1983.

After high school, she and her young son, Jason moved to Grand Forks, ND. With determination, love and devotion to her son, she graduated from the Hair Designers Academy as a hairdresser.  

Deb Duerr was united in marriage to the man of her dreams, Danny Nelson in 2005. They established their home on the Davis farmstead where she took pride in keeping the lawn mowed, flowers watered, and the garden full of extra goodies for all. She loved being in the yard it was her oasis.

Deb worked as a hairdresser, then at the Cedar Inn, operated the “Office Bar” with Brad “Harv” Halldorson for many years and at the time of her death had been employed at “Proz End of the Line” for the past 9 years.

Deb loved her beloved family which included many, whether related or not, they were family to Deb. She loved spending time with them, was so very proud of them and loved them unconditionally.  For the past 14 years, Deb and Danny had gone to Jamaica each winter and soon had a “Jamaican family” there and were honored to be godparents to Ajoni.  Deb was also an animal lover and especially loved Mattie, her kitty.  Deb also enjoyed sharing pictures and memories on “bookface” as Dad would call it, spending time in the yard with the “The Boys” grandboys, toodling around on the golf cart and going to sporting events to watch her nephews and nieces. She enjoyed the simple things in life, and joking around with her “One Love” Danny. She will always be our beautiful strong diamond.  

Deb has left us much too soon, but we pledge to live, laugh and love with all our hearts, just like she did and always with a big smile.

She is survived by her husband Danny; son Jason Duerr, Devils Lake; daughters Alex Encinas (Jon) and Allison Nelson (Tyson) all of Devils Lake; grandchildren Easton “Bubbitz”, Bronson “Peanut”, Boston “Chub Chub”, Hudson “Huddy” and Woodson “Woods”; mother Phyllis Schwan, Devils Lake; brother Dave and his wife Linda Duerr, Anchorage, Alaska; sister Deanna and her husband Dave Schwanke, Leeds, ND; mother-in-law Joyce (Cam) Mikkelson , Devils Lake; sisters-in-law Deb Peterson and Donna Wolf both of Devils Lake; brother-in-law Jimmy (Corky) Nelson, Beulah, ND; nephews Devin Schwanke and Derek Duerr; nieces Dani, Desidy and Delaynee Schwanke, Alysaa Duerr and many other beloved nieces and nephews; several aunts and uncles also survive.

Deb had many special friends including Mike and Beth Gilbertson, The Proz “Crew”, Prozinski family and so many more that she called “Family”.

She was preceded in death by her father Alfred Duerr; step father Raymond Schwan; father-in-law James “JD” Nelson.

Funeral Services for Debra will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Lori Broschat officiating. Visitation will be held at St. Olaf Lutheran Church on Wednesday, September 12th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Thursday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. 

Casket Bearers for Debra will be Johnnie Pesek, Rick Duerr, Sheila Wildman, Brady Homan, Tyler Prozinski, Devin Schwanke and Theresa Nelson.