Debra Slegers

DEBRA 'DEBBIE' SLEGERS was born February 4, 1957 to Robert and Mary (Hamann) Dekoekkoek in Bellflower, California. In her youth, she grew up in Iowa, California, and Minnesota.She graduated from Pipestone High School in 1976. Debb was baptized and had made her profession of faith in the Christian Reformed Church. She was united in marriage to Gaylin Slegers on December 18, 1976 at Zion Methodist Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with two children, Kamie and Kerbie and 40 years of marriage together. The couple made their home, farming, and raised their family in Hope Township, three miles south of Tyler, Minnesota. Debbie had a heart of service to others. Her passion was food, she loved being behind the stove whether it be in her home, The Black Bear, Debb’s Drive In or any one of the other restaurants she worked. In 1988, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis MS and later in 2011 colon cancer at which time she entered the care of Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler. In May 2015, following a decline in health, she then entered the care of Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, Minnesota where on Saturday, May 7, 2016, while surrounded by her family, Debb received the ultimate Mother’s Day gift, to once again be able to walk as she went home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 59 years.

Debbie was a member of the Holland Christian Reformed Church. She was active in the life of the congregation serving in the Calvinettes (GEMS), singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school. She enjoyed cooking, baking, the company of great friends, following her children’s sports activities, taking in a good bull riding rodeo, listening to classic oldies, the voices of young singing praises, camping, boating on the pontoon, shopping with her sisters, and especially time spent with her family.

Debbie is lovingly remembered by her husband, Gaylin of Tyler, Minnesota; daughter, Kamie Slegers of Anoka, Minnesota; son, Kerbie (and Stefanie) Slegers of Lake Benton, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Malyha, Quinn, and Coleson; her father, Robert Dekoekkoek of North East Iowa; siblings, Robert Jr. (and Raschell) Dekoekkoek of Rexberg, Idaho, Brenda (and Scott) Knudson of Lake Benton, Minnesota, and Cindy Ward of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Dekoekkoek. Blessed and eternal be her memory.