Deborah Marie Hellwinckel, 62, Beaver Creek, died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, of a bilateral pulmonary embolism at her home.
A funeral service was at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 8, at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Deborah Hellwinckel was born on March 24, 1959, to Walter and Leora (Roehs) Hellwinckel in Luverne. She was raised on the family farm south of Beaver Creek and as a child helped with daily chores, including milking cows.
She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne.
She attended country school through third grade and then transitioned to Hills-Beaver Creek school, graduating in 1977.
She received her LPN degree and worked at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Deb commuted to the University of South Dakota, Vermillion for her RN degree and then began working strictly in orthopedics. Throughout the years, she continued to improve professionally with continuing education and was well respected by her peers, other professionals and her patients.
Debbie loved to travel, especially with her close group of friends. She loved gardening and entertaining guests with dinners served on china. She enjoyed caring for her flowers and for the cats and dogs on the farm. She was proud of the home she designed and later built on the acreage. She loved to shop and had a talent for decorating.
Debbie also enjoyed craft shows, estate and rummage sales, Schmeckfest and attending plays at the Washington Pavilion.
Debbie never forgot to send a card for a birthday or a special event to make others feel cherished and celebrated. Debbie was an avid reader, especially of history. She was also a mentor to many. She knew the value of hard work and worked the night shift throughout her career. Her co-workers became like extended family (some of whom are mentioned here as her survivors).
She is survived by her sister, Becky (Casey) Schultz of Watertown, South Dakota; “sisters” Dianna Spath (Greg) of Luverne and Susan Zarn of Sioux Falls; “daughter” Chandra (Arlo) Brower of Becker; “granddaughters” Katelyn, Alyssa and Emily; “nieces and nephews” Jennifer Van Wettering, Jill Swenson, Mike Spath, Darren Krumvieda, Jason Krumvieda, Valerie Eggebraaten, Jeri Potvin, Kayla Goode; goddaughter Macie Swenson; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; “sister” Dawn Munns; and “nephew” Josh Munns.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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