Debra Lynn Piekarski

Debra Lynn Piekarski (Lanning) died on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Her funeral to celebrate her life will be held at the St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Lowry on Tuesday, June 30, 2015, with Pastor Joe Skogmo officiating. Debby was the only child of LeRoy and Deloris (Rosaasen) Lanning and was born September 24, 1953, in Starbuck, MN. She was baptized at home and confirmed at Indherred Lutheran Church. Debby graduated in 1971 from Starbuck High School. She also graduated from Alexandria Technical College with a degree in Dietetic Assistant. She went to work at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth for 1 year, before returning to work at DCH for 3 years. Then she went to change professions and became a dental assistant. Debby was united in marriage to Terrence Wayne Piekarski of Glenwood, MN on August 19, 1978. They had two sons, Patrick and Mitchell. In their early years of marriage, they lived in Alexandria and Montrose, MN, before they moved to Lowry and bought a repair shop. Deb went to work at Central Lakes Orthodontics from 1980-1983, then 1986-2013. She also held all the offices at the Vikingland Dental Assistant Association. She received the Ruth Asp Martinson award on the state level. Debby has served as a WELCA president and Sunday School Teacher. Most recently, she served as trustee on the church council. She has been Mayor of Lowry (1995-1998). Also, Debby has served as First Responder for 20 years in Lowry. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, loved traveling with her friends (Mary, Marie and Diane), and took a wonderful trip with her husband to Alaska. Debby loved going shopping, playing cards, going to the casino, watching movies, reading and spending as much time as she could with family; especially, Hudson, Harper, and Celia. She is survived by her husband, Terry of 36 years; her children, Patrick Piekarski of Fargo, ND and Mitchell (Maria) Piekarski of Moorhead, MN; one grandson, Hudson; and two granddaughters, Harper Piekarski and Celia Millar; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Debby wants to especially thank Pam Jones, Mary Kvitek, Cheri Piekarski, Patricia Otremba, Rosemary Jansen, Pat Thompson, Deb Hausman, Deb Dahlseng, Jeanne Person and Ann Drewes for helping her along her path of cancer. Debby is preceded in death by her wonderful parents, LeRoy and Deloris Lanning; aunts and uncles, Everett and Lorraine Hedin, Darrell Reynolds, Ferd Erickson, Dick and Idella Abbas, Norman and Delores Mae Grawbow, Merle and Martha Rosaasen; cousin, Diane Broeffle; in laws, Richard and Therese Piekarski; brother-in-laws, Carl and James Piekarski.

Debra Lynn Piekarski

September 24, 1953 - June 23, 2015