Debra Anderson

1948 - 2021

Debra Anderson obituary, 1948-2021, Bismarck, ND

Debra Anderson

1948 - 2021

BORN

1948

DIED

2021

Debra Anderson Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.

Debra Anderson

Jan. 13, 1948 – Feb. 9, 2021

For each of us, there are two stories to be told about our life - the facts of what we did and the facts of who we were. And these are the stories of Debra Sue Anderson...

Debra Sue Anderson entered this world Jan. 13, 1948, in Lakefield, Minnesota. Deb and her siblings grew up in the country near the small town of Jackson, Minnesota, and it was Jackson that Deb always considered as her home. She would describe Jackson as a beautiful and peaceful place for a child to grow up at and the many stories she shared about her childhood was a testament to such.

What she did . . .

In 1966, at the young age of 18 years old, Deb ventured out and began her career with Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, working in the art, merchandise and advertising departments. Only two years into her employment, in 1968, MDU made the decision to move their main office to Bismarck in order to be closer to their operations. Deb made her intentions very clear to her boss that she would agree to help with the transition for six months and then she would be returning to Minnesota. But . . . what our intentions are and what the good Lord's intentions are do not always match up - fate intervened and Deb made the decision to continue her employment with MDU in Bismarck.

By 1971, Deb was promoted to the position of executive secretary and began working for the then company President David M. Heskett. Deb explained this time in her life as scary but also exciting. It was then and there that she made her commitment to the company and the position she held. Deb kept her word – dedicating all she was and all she had to MDU – working long hours, working weekends, working holidays, always going the extra mile, and caring for every small detail that the president and board of directors could ever have.

That commitment lasted over a span of 50 years and through six different company presidents. On the chosen date of June 30, 2016, Debra Sue took one more glance at her office, turned off the lights for the last time, and walked towards her new journey ahead. The commitment she had made those many years ago had been finally fulfilled.

Who she was . . .

Deb possessed a spirit within her that was very courageous and adventurous. She loved to travel to different countries, ski, hike, try different foods and wines, and was constantly welcoming new experiences – all of this she did with her friends by her side. She had an infectious laugh and smile and nobody was a stranger for long. She cared deeply and always put others' needs before her own. She treasured life and was loyal to those that she knew – and was treasured in return. Deb endured life's tragedies and pain with grace and mercy – a gift God had granted her.

On her own terms, on Feb. 9, 2021, Debra Sue Anderson, age 73, peacefully took the Lord's hand and entered her eternal life. Per her wishes, Deb will be laid to rest in Jackson, Minnesota, beside her loving parents.

Deb is survived by two sisters: Tammy (Tom) Tyler (Springfield, Ill.); Denise Dyer (Chicago, Ill.); her Aunt Betty Hoff (Lewisville, Texas); and several nieces and nephews. Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl (Hoff) and Harold R. Anderson, and her sister, Deanna Montgomer.

We will miss you dear friend – a piece of our hearts goes with you.

A celebration of Deb's life will take place at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Debra Anderson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 7, 2022

Linda A Christman posted to the memorial.

May 31, 2021

Ruth Bordwell Tatter posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2021

Bob Kallberg posted to the memorial.

Linda A Christman

February 7, 2022

Debbie we think of you often remembering the fun times together and your wonderful laugh.

Ruth Bordwell Tatter

May 31, 2021

My dearest Deb...You, upon your trip to Jackson, always made a point to see my parents. They loved your visits to the farm. You would pop in and bring them a ray of sunshine through your smile and laughter. On one of those visits, you talked to my daughter about the University of Mary (a place you held dear). The result was a trip to visit and a stay with you. Then you supported her the 4 1/2 years she was there. You are such a special person that we will never forget! Love you, dearest Deb!

Bob Kallberg

February 20, 2021

Sorry to hear of Deb's passing. I first met her when I met Joanie and found they were fast friends. We got to spend a lot of good time with here when we could get her away from her office. She was one of Joanie's bridesmaids when Joanie and I got married in September1989. As the years passed, and after Joanie died in 2008 whenever I ran into Deb, she was always good for a smile and a laugh. It was always a pleasure to see her. She is missed.

Bob and Linda Christman

February 19, 2021

We have known Debbie for a few years--initially through wine club. Then in the last couple of years we were together on the Danube River Cruise followed by a tour of Tuscany. We had a great time. Debbie was so much fun and always ready for an adventure--like being part of a small group that got lost on a walk in Prague--Bob was part of that group, too.

We could always count on Debbie to join us at the end of the day for a nightcap and a re-cap of the days activities. She was gracious, fun, spirited and had a hearty laugh--all of which we will remember fondly. Just recently she stopped by the Gallery and asked where we would be touring next. She looked forward to that as did we. Those plans are no more and that saddens us. Bless the memory of a kind and caring lady--Debbie Anderson.

Bonnie Zeiszler

February 17, 2021

So sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. She was such a joy to know. We will keep her and your family in our prayers

Greta Lynn Paulsen

February 16, 2021

Debbie was a wonderful colleague and friend. I got to know her when I first joined MDU in 1971, and she was still there when I retired in 2009! After retirement, I enjoyed having lunch with her both in Arizona and when I returned to Bismarck in the summer. She was one of the most non-judgmental and caring person I have known and she will be missed. I will miss the lunches, but also the infectious smile and kind words for which she is known.

Jan and Rich Reisenauer

February 14, 2021

We will miss you Debbie. You were a caring, loyal person as evidenced not only in your friendships but also at your workplace, Montana Dakota Utilities, where you gave of yourself for fifty years. A remarkable career. Debbie excelled not only at work but also in her travels which gave her a broad knowledge base. She excelled at running, snow and water skiing, and was not afraid to challenge herself. Rest In Peace Debbie.

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2302 East Divide Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501

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Sign Debra Anderson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 7, 2022

Linda A Christman posted to the memorial.

May 31, 2021

Ruth Bordwell Tatter posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2021

Bob Kallberg posted to the memorial.