I was so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing—and that I didn’t know until now. I knew Deb throughout our school years (I still have our kindergarten photos from Horace Mann!) and through our growing up years at First Lutheran Church In Sioux Falls. I knew both of Deb’s parents, and they were both such wonderful people, too. My deepest sympathy to all of you, her family. Rest In Peace, Deb.
Mary Scarbrough Hunt
October 25, 2020
I am sorry to hear for your loss. I worked with her at Vangent/General dynamics. She was a great person to work with and had a great sense of humor. She was kind and worked hard. She will be missed from Many here.
Holly Xalamihua
May 31, 2018
I am truly sad to hear of Deb's passing. We were besties in grade school and every Saturday were playing at either one of our houses as we lived so close. We shared a love for horses and couldn't wait to go riding. Praying for family and know she lives on in your hearts. God bless
Michelle Carlson Miller
May 30, 2018
Rachel and family, I am so sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. I met her at the barn where we boarded our horses. I still fondly remember her calling the naughty ponies “ spicy meatballs “.
She was always so friendly and funny.
Nancy Eden
May 30, 2018
Dear family and friends of Deb
I was so sad to hear of Deb's passing. She was a high school friend of mine 'we shared many classes together and I enjoyed her so much. My condolences. Rest in peace sweet friend.
Jan Robar
May 30, 2018
So sorry to hear of the loss of one of the most wonderful, gentle spirits I ever knew back at Lincoln High. Deb and I would run to her house for lunch a lot since it was so close to the back door of the school. We both loved Art and she would tell me all about the horse events she did. He mom would serve us and we would all chat and scream with laughter. I wanted her daughter to hear this story because it shares how big hearted Deb and her mom were to me to let me be a part of this special memory. I feel all horses have a new angel watching over them and I will always keep her creative vibrant energy alive in my heart so that I can share with others how much her joy made life such a gift! All my love to her family.
Leslye Orr
May 30, 2018
I have so many happy memories of growing up with Deb. We were only a month apart in age, so we spent a lot of time together during my family’s summer and winter vacation trips to South Dakota. I treasure those memories and experiences. I remember Deb’s love for horses, her joy for life, her pride in family and daughter, and her fierce determination and commitment to whatever path she was on. I don’t recall Deb doing anything half-way. Kellie and I send our condolences and love to Rachel, Trey, Norm, Rob and Kari as they grieve Deb’s loss and celebrate her life. Love you all.
Terry Ekeland
May 30, 2018
My Dear Sweet Deb,
We almost shared a birthday, one day and two years apart. But we shared much more than that, as you were like the older sister I didn’t have.
When we were very young, you shared your toys with me and combed and fixed my hair and watched over me with so much love. As we grew older, our two week visits were like golden opportunities and I always knew they would be full of adventure. You tirelessly helped me learn to bowl at Candle & Cue, taught me to ice skate (thank you, Norm and Muriel for all the garden hoses you went through). We made clothes for our troll dolls and thanks to Muriel we had matching flannel nighties. We made tons of mud pies, and the following summer I expected more mud pies, and instead you taught me how to apply makeup and curl my eyelashes. You patiently taught me how to clean a horse’s hooves and how to ride bareback, though I admit I never developed the “staying on” muscles I should have. You and Rob took us swimming and to the local summer craft classes and introduced us to popular rock music while we painted the lower basement the summer before your folks installed paneling to cover it. Every year when we visited, I would be anxious to see what dog you had adopted, Arrow the Irish setter, Leibchen the Samoyed, and Nick the standard poodle come to mind. As we got older, you included me in activities with your friends camping out in the backyard. And we all thought we had it made when our folks were going out and would give each of us money to treat the other cousins so we’d get A&W or something and split our profits. I remember shopping at Lewis Drug, known affectionately as Lewie’s Lift a Gift. Then we grew up and got married and Tom and I visited you in Nashville, where Ron sat on the floor and played a concert for Lauren who was a toddler. We did not know until later that you were newly pregnant with Rachel during that visit. We saw each other less for busy years, but were together for family reunions. We shared some precious time together when Muriel was sick, and in the past few years have talked on the phone every so often. You have been an important part of my life and I will miss being able to call you. I promise you that I will continue my very special relationship with your special, beautiful, talented daughter Rachel. I will always try to be just a call away and remind her she is loved by so many. I thank you again, Deb, for your love and friendship even though I just never could, no matter how hard you tried to teach me, draw a horse that looked anything like a horse. God bless you.
Love,
Kari Kathleen
Kari Bergfeld
May 30, 2018
Dear Rachel & family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. It is indeed heartbreaking to loose a mother, and my thoughts and prayers are with you!
Frank Normann Eikeland
May 30, 2018
Rachel,
I remember your mom as a wonderful, loving, helpful woman. I hope you are able to hold onto those precious memories. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Jessica Jakoubek
May 30, 2018
Rachel,
I remember your mom as a wonderful, loving, helpful woman. I hope you are able to hold onto those precious memories. My deepest sympathies on your loss.
Jessica Jakoubek
May 30, 2018
Dear Rachel and family,
My heartfelt sympathy.
Nan Barta
Nan Barta
May 29, 2018
Dear Rachel, I was so sorry to hear of your mother's struggle with cancer. Your mother seemed to have a wonderful life with her art and her horses. What a wonderful legacy she left for you. I hope that the memories you hold dear help console you through this difficult time. Know that she will always be with you. Debbie Kronick
Debbie Kronick
May 29, 2018
Rachel and family - the world, our community and Temple Judah are much the less without your mother. I had just begun to get to know her when she became ill and truly feel cheated out of a blooming friendship. She was always someone I admired, and I am still in disbelief over all that happened to her. My heart is with you now. Linda Laugen
Linda Laugen
May 29, 2018