Debra Jo "Deb" Peterson

Deb J. (Nelson) Peterson, 63 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday evening, October 7, 2018 at the home of her daughter, in the loving care of family, friends and Altru Hospice after her long courageous fight with cancer.

Funeral Services for Deb will be held on Friday, October 12, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Tom Westcott officiating.  

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with a time of prayer and remembrance at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation on Thursday will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and will continue on Friday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Debra Jo, daughter of James D. “JD” and Joyce (Hastings) Nelson was born on February 21, 1955 at Larimore, ND. At a young age, Deb moved with the family to Edmore, ND where she grew up and attended Edmore Public School, graduating from Edmore High School with the class of 1973.

Deb later continued her education at UND School of Nursing, graduating with a degree in 1990. Deb did all of this as the mother of her three beautiful children, her pride and joy.

As a Registered Nurse, Deb worked in the NIC Unit at St. Alexius in Bismarck then at the Human Services Center and at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake.

In 2003, Deb put aside her nursing career and found her true passion, working within and for the betterment of the Devils Lake community as an employee of the Devils Lake Park Board.

Deb took great pride as the planter and caretaker of the many flower beds around Devils Lake. She was such a people person and worked at the concession stand at the many Park Board activities. From young to old, she loved people and worked as the life guard at the School for the Deaf with the Senior Citizens who participated in the pool activities. Deb was such a hard worker, so dedicated and even during this hard fought battle against cancer, she treasured the days she could be at work, serving her community. She was a long time member of the Devils Lake Elks Community Band, playing the saxophone and also enjoyed membership in the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary.

Deb loved people. She loved her family with her whole heart and felt so blessed when spending time with her grandchildren and traveling with her Mom and sister. She was friends with everyone, even Tiffany and Preston’s friends would call and talk to her or go over to the house to visit Deb. She was considered a second Mom to many. She enjoyed gardening and cooking. Making sure she made everyone’s favorites when she got the chance.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” 2 Timothy 4: 7-8. We love you with our whole heart, we will miss you so very much and will treasure the memories of our life with you forever.

Deb is survived by her loving family. Her children Tessa Peterson, Tiffany (Chris Steenerson) Peterson, Grand Forks and Preston (Brittany) Peterson of Devils Lake; four grandchildren Tobias Fliss; Beau Peterson and Tatumn Steenerson; Brielle Peterson; her mother and step father Joyce and Cameron Mikkelsen, Devils Lake; brothers Jimmy (Corky) Nelson, Beulah, ND and Danny Nelson, Devils Lake; sister Donna Wolf, Devils Lake; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her Dad; brother Allan in infancy; sister-in-law Debra M. Nelson; uncle Butch and aunt Bonnie.

Casket Bearers will be Danny Nelson, Jimmy Nelson, Beau Peterson, Keaton Wolf, Kevin Wolf, Wayne Specht, Mitch Sylling and Terry Wallace.

Honorary Bearers will be Heather Brandvold, Kim Knutson and all the Devils Lake Park Board family.