Deborah M. Hellwinckel

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DEBORAH MARIE HELLWINCKEL was born on March 24, 1959 to Walter and Leora (Roehs) Hellwinckel in Luverne, Minnesota. She was raised on the family farm south of Beaver Creek, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne. As a child she remained busy helping outdoors and with the daily chores of life on the farm, including milking cows. She first attended country school through the third grade and then transitioned to school in town, graduating from Hills-Beaver Creek High School in 1977. She worked locally for a year and then enrolled in secondary school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where she received her LPN degree. She began working as an LPN at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. In addition to working, Deb decided to pursue her RN degree and began commuting to the University of South Dakota in Vermillion where she completed their nursing program. She then began strictly working in orthopedics. Throughout the years, she completed coursework to better herself as a professional and attended many continuing education conventions and events. In her professional career, Deb became very well respected by her peers, other professionals and those patients she ministered to in her profession. On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, Deborah died unexpectedly at home as a result of a bilateral pulmonary embolism. She went to be with her Lord at the age of 62 years, 7 months and nine days.

Debbie loved to travel, especially with her close group of friends. She loved to garden, entertain guests and set her table with China dinnerware for all to enjoy a good meal. She enjoyed caring for her flowers and caring for the cats and dogs on the farm. She was proud of the home she designed and later built on the acreage. She loved to shop, shop, shop and had a talent for decorating and bringing rooms together. The talent for bringing things together also carried through to the people that she loved. Debbie always gave of herself. She never forgot a birthday and always sent a special card to make others feel cherished and celebrated. Debbie was an avid reader and very well read, especially in history. She was a mentor to many and had the perfect combination of being both welcoming and knowledgeable. She knew the value of hard work and worked the night shift throughout her career-her coworkers became like extended family. Debbie also enjoyed craft shows, estate and rummage sales, Schmeckfest and attending plays at the Washington Pavilion.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Becky (Casey) Schultz of Watertown, South Dakota; “sisters”, Dianna Spath (Greg) of Luverne and Susan Zarn of Sioux Falls; “daughter”, Chandra (Arlo) Brower of Becker, Minnesota; “granddaughters”, Katelyn, Alyssa and Emily; “nieces & nephews”, Jennifer Van Wettering, Jill Swenson, Mike Spath, Darren Krumvieda, Jason Krumvieda, Valerie Eggebraaten, Jeri Potvin, Kayla Goode; goddaughter, Macie Swenson; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; “sister”, Dawn Munns; and “nephew”, Josh Munns.