Deborah Calander

Deborah Calander, age 73, of Isanti died May 18, 2025 at home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Friday, June 27th at Long Lake Lutheran Church in Isanti. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday, June 26th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Deborah Kaye Calander was born on February 2, 1952, the youngest child and only daughter of Henry and Goldie Steenerson. She lived on a farm in rural Anoka, MN with her parents and older brothers, Larry and Bob, until Henry built a new home. After the passing of her father in 1966, she remained in that home until she married Calvin "Sonny" Calander. In her early years, Debbie worked as a carhop and waitress, babysitter, cleaned houses, modeled, and was a very ambitious lady from a young age. She graduated from Anoka Senior High in the spring of 1970 and married Sonny on October 10, 1970.
After they married, Debbie worked at a store in Anoka until their first son, Scott, was born. She soon joined her husband in Ft. Stewart, GA, where he was stationed in the United States Army. When Sonny finished his service they moved to an apartment in Anoka for a year before buying a home near Long Lake in Isanti. Two more children followed, Bryan in 1976 and Callie in 1981. In the early '90s, Sonny and Debbie built a home just down the road, where the family still calls home. When their children were all in school, Debbie began volunteering in the Cambridge-Isanti School District, which eventually turned into a 20-year career as an instructional assistant.
Debbie was passionate about many things. She had a deep love of gardening with her flower gardens being the envy of most. She was a fervent supporter of St. Jude Children's Hospital, cherished her western movies, inherited a love of birds from her mother, and loved to travel. Classic country music was a favorite of hers, specifically Dolly Parton, with Islands in the Stream being her most beloved song. More than anything, Debbie was so proud of her family. She had a heart of gold, the most beautiful smile that she never failed to share, and a home open to everyone. She was the most dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, and she will be so missed by all who knew her. As she always said to us, we'll "love you the mostest."
Debbie passed away at home on May 18, 2025 at the age of 73 after a long battle with cancer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Howard Grover; brothers, Larry and Bob Steenerson; and honorary daughter, Jeannice Akerson.
Her legacy continues on in her devoted husband, Sonny; children, Scott (Jen) Calandar, Bryan (Amber) Calander, and Callie Calander; grandchildren, Marissa, Dylan, Tyler, Maddie, Aidan, Morgan, Jacob, Macklin, Peyton, Averi, and Piper; and honorary family, Sarah, Greg, Lorren Bo, and Reagan Parris.