Debra Kay Dannenfelzer

Debra Kay Dannenfelzer, 64, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 17, 2025 at her home in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Debbie was born October 13, 1960 to Ralph and Ruby Dannenfelzer in Hettinger, North Dakota, where she attended school and graduated in 1978. While in school, Debbie was a football cheerleader, sang in the choir, played trombone in the band, was involved in Pep Club, and in the summers, she played softball and tennis. She also was a member of the Rainbow Girls. After finishing high school, Debbie went to NDSU in Fargo to pursue courses in business administration and interior design. She moved to Bismarck and worked at Vanity (clothing store) and one of the local movie theatres for a couple of years before moving to Florida to take a job as a nanny. (Her favorite story was that she was only going to go for the summer, but didn't tell her parents that it is summer year-round.) After her first nanny family, she took a new nanny position for the Sned family (Bill & Pat), where she took care of their 3 wonderful children, Helene, Tate and Trey whom she adored and remained in contact with them over the years. When Debbie decided to leave her nanny position, she took a position at Davis General Contracting in West Palm Beach and eventually became Controller. Debbie loved working for Hugh and Deanna and would always talk about her job and all the cool projects that they were working on. She continued to work there until her passing.
In the 1990's, Debbie went back to college and graduated from Palm Beach State College. In 1993, she married Dave Naeve and they lived in the acreage outside of Royal Palm Beach. They divorced in the early 2000's but remained on good terms and shared custody of their dog, Molly. Throughout Debbie's years, she developed and maintained so many great friendships from high school, being a nanny, playing softball, golfing, bowling, playing bunco or those she met through Gratitude. Her infectious smile, laugh, positive outlook and unconditional love showed everyone how much she cared about them. She would make sure to meet up with any friend or family member who made it to Florida, no matter where in Florida you were.
Debbie loved her family, especially her nieces (Caitlyn and Mya) and nephew (Kadin), being a Godmother to Caitlyn. She was a dedicated and devoted daughter, sister, aunt & Godmother, who enjoyed watching the softball, basketball and volleyball games when they were being streamed live or coordinating trips back to North Dakota with her siblings so we could all be together. She had daily calls with her mom and would ask her what she was eating for dinner. Often, mom didn't know what to eat, so Debbie would order her something via Door Dash. She was so thoughtful and would always do something special for her family and friends.
Debbie was also a Volunteer for Get A Life Pet Rescue, where she welcomed many rescues into her home. She had a big heart and loved each of the dogs that she adopted! Debbie loved Benny's on the Beach, Starbucks (the baristas knew her by name and drink), and she loved the trips she took with family and friends. She was a Life Member of the VFW Auxiliary and attended many National Auxiliary conventions and events with her mom and sisters. She was a huge part of our lives and while our hearts are broken today, she has filled our lives and hearts with her love, compassion, genuine concern, and most importantly, fantastic memories that will live on forever.
Debbie leaves behind her mother, Ruby Dannenfelzer of Mandan, ND; sisters, Wendy Dannenfelzer (Bruce Newland) of Mandan; Marsha (David) Walsh of Grand Rapids, Michigan; brother, Michael (Michelle) Dannenfelzer of Mandan and their three children, Kadin, Caitlyn and Mya, and numerous cousins. Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Ralph, all her aunts, uncles and grandparents, and each of her fur babies, Molly, Zena, Bella, Shraya & Princess. Debbie also left behind a plethora of close friends and extended family.
Two celebrations of life will be held, one in Florida, Monday, April 28th from 5 to 7pm at 165 Elwa Place, West Palm Beach. The 2nd celebration will be streamed live and will be held later in May in Hettinger ND, date and time TBD. Should you wish to honor Debbie's memory, memorials may be made to Get a Life Pet Rescue in Plantation Florida, or to a local pet adoption or humane society near you.