Obituary for Debra Kuipers Erickson
Age 68. Passed away July 17 from Covid 19. Debbie was born in Mitchell, SD and moved to Hopkins with her family in 1968. Preceded in death by her mother and father, Vesta and Bill Kuipers and brother Peter. Deb is survived by her husband Paul Erickson, brother Mike Kuipers, sister Laurie Saari (David). As well, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and a world wide circle of friends.
Deb graduated from the U of M with degrees in Dental Hygiene and Public Health as well as a Law Degree from William Mitchell. Deb taught at the U, practiced Dental Hygiene in Edina and practiced Law in Minnetonka prior to moving to Jacksonville FL to help Paul manage their businesses. Paul and Deb traveled extensively exploring the far corners of the world. Their families were fortunate to have them back in Minnesota the last three years of her life. Deb’s beautiful smile and immense love for family, friends and all those around her will be sincerely missed.
Due to Covid, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to make a memorial in honor of Debbie, please donate to the U of M Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Using the link below, click Lloyd E. Brimmer Endowed Fund for Arthritis Research. We miss Deb deeply and will cherish her remarkable spirit in our daily lives and memories. https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/search.html?q=JUVENILE%20RHEUMATOID%20ARTHRITIS&size=10
Below are some memories shared about Debra
I am a part of all that I have met:
“Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untraveled world whose margin fades
Forever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breathe were life!”
Alfred Lord Tennyson “Ulysses” 1833
Jackie Campbell
July 24
Laurie and Dave,
My sympathies as well to you and your family. I too have such fond memories of Debbie and both of you from our U of M/Pi Phi Days. Debbie had such heart, incredible spirit and such a beautiful smile. All were a gift to anyone who crossed her path. Debbie will be missed by many.
Val & Dave Bohmer
July 23
Debbie was such a special person. We feel lucky to have shared time with her.
Shari Bjorklund
July 22
How lucky was I to meet Debbie at the U of MN and then get to work with her for many years. Debbie was always upbeat, no matter what, gracious and fun...oh, we did have fun. I know she will be missed by so many who were lucky to call her family or friend. Rest is Peace.
Carol Romundstad Childs
July 21
Dear Laurie and Dave,
My most sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Debbie. I was so fortunate to become a Pi Phi sister with you and Debbie at the U of M, Laurie, and we all have wonderful memories from there. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers - Debbie was a true Pi Phi Angel!
Tom Moore
July 20
Rest is peace sweet Debbie. You will be missed by so many.
Tom Moore
Marie Thompson
July 20
Debbie was always so happy to come to my art classes. We all missed her very much. May she Rest In Peace.
Rose Imray, jgcc
July 20
I so enjoyed my time with Deb, especially our painting classes. She is surely missed. Such a great lady!
Ingrid Emminger
July 20
So sorry for your loss. Remember Debra from water aerobics. We had a good time. May God bless you and your family.
Sue & Graham Andrews U.K.
July 20
So sorry for your loss of Debbie.
I only met Debbie on two occasions but spoke to her often on the phone,
always found her to be a lovely bubbly person
Although you and Debbie’s family must be heartbroken I'm sure your relieved that Debbie is now at rest
Thinking of you Paul and Debbie’s family at this sad time
Rob Plunkett
July 19
We have lost a sweet and tender friend who brought joy to those who knew her. We will miss her and her frequent calls to stop for an ice cream cone the last couple of years.
Larry Kuusisto
July 19
This sweet woman has held a special place in my mind since maybe ninth grade at South Junior High and at HHS in Hopkins. Thanks to the good fortune of alphabetical assignment our lockers were always next to one another. I was a science nerd from the rural part of the district (Eden Prairie) and Debbie was the smart and popular "pom pom" girl. She was so delightfully warm and Debbie always brightened my mornings. Blessings to her loved ones. She was a sincerely lovely person to know, since we met at 15.
Becky Romig
July 19
Deb was not only my neighbor for 20+ years, she was my best friend. We shared so much happiness, laughter, and good times together. She always had a smile on her face no matter what the situation and brightened my day. She will forever be in my heart.
Mary Jean Petroski.
July 19
Pi Phi hugs and kisses.
Khalid Nuaimy - Abu Dhabi-UAE
July 19
Requiescat in Pace (R.I.P) Debbie and may almighty God bless your soul. May my condolences bring you my dear friend Paul comfort and my prayers ease the pain of your loss. I have very fond memories of Debbie as a delightful and wonderful gentle soul and will forever remain in our hearts.
Dan and Ulrika
July 19
A wonderful person has left us. We are deeply sad but also happy we knew her. Our thoughts are with Paul at this time.
Dave Bohmer
July 19
Debbie was one of the nicest and best of all people I have known. She will be missed by everyone touched by her life
Surya Reis
July 19
Lumpengloeckchen, heiße Himbeeren mit Schlagsahne - those were the first German words we taught Debbie and it gave us laughter and joy without end for years to come.
My condolences to Laurie and family.
Paul, you and Debbie are a part of our family. All my love
Alexander Vater
July 19
We met Debbie as such a dear, warmhearted person and we are really sorry, dear Paul, for this loss.
We send our deepest condolences!
Alex and Ria
Pierre and Helga Verfaille
July 19
Dear Paul, we are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Debbie. We remember the time we passed together, especially in Minneapolis as well as in Germany. She will live in our memories forever and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please convey our condolences to her family.
Sincerely yours
Christine and Peter Reis
July 19
She was our dear friend for 34 years. Our 3 children called Debbie their second mother. We will miss her dearly.
Sandra McCaffrey
July 19
When I moved on to Saltmeadow Ct S I was incredibly blessed to have Deb, a classy, sweet and welcoming neighbor. I will forever treasure our wonderful Christmas Eve dinners at Paul & Debs. She helped me look for our dog Rooney after an early morning escape. I think she was barefoot but happy to help. Enjoy your place in Heaven for you are certainly an angel.
Talla Skogmo
July 19
Paul, Laurie and Dave; I am so very very sorry for your loss! Deb was one of the good guys, a true light to everyone and someone I have always admired and looked up to. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Talla
Bruno and Rosie Schmidt
July 19
Paul, Please accept our deepest condolences on Debbie's passing. She was a good woman and you had many great years together. I know your agonies the last few years, but know she is in a better place. If there is anything we can do to commiserate with you, please don't hesitate to ask.
Your friends,
Bruno and Rosie
Tim Anderson
July 19
My condolences to all who loved Deb. She was easy to love. As beautiful inside as out, Up for any adventure that came her way, smart, and well liked by everyone that met her. One of those people you could not not like. She will be missed by all.
Kada Westby
July 19
My heart is aching.
My sincere condolences go out to all of Debbie's family.
Debbie was the epitome of positivity, joy, love of life and spunk.
A beautiful friend both on the outside and the inside.
Pint sized perfection !!
www.GILLBROTHERS.com
Deb graduated from the U of M with degrees in Dental Hygiene and Public Health as well as a Law Degree from William Mitchell. Deb taught at the U, practiced Dental Hygiene in Edina and practiced Law in Minnetonka prior to moving to Jacksonville FL to help Paul manage their businesses. Paul and Deb traveled extensively exploring the far corners of the world. Their families were fortunate to have them back in Minnesota the last three years of her life. Deb’s beautiful smile and immense love for family, friends and all those around her will be sincerely missed.
Due to Covid, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to make a memorial in honor of Debbie, please donate to the U of M Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation. Using the link below, click Lloyd E. Brimmer Endowed Fund for Arthritis Research. We miss Deb deeply and will cherish her remarkable spirit in our daily lives and memories. https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/search.html?q=JUVENILE%20RHEUMATOID%20ARTHRITIS&size=10
Below are some memories shared about Debra
I am a part of all that I have met:
“Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untraveled world whose margin fades
Forever and forever when I move.
How dull it is to pause, to make an end,
To rust unburnished, not to shine in use!
As though to breathe were life!”
Alfred Lord Tennyson “Ulysses” 1833
Jackie Campbell
July 24
Laurie and Dave,
My sympathies as well to you and your family. I too have such fond memories of Debbie and both of you from our U of M/Pi Phi Days. Debbie had such heart, incredible spirit and such a beautiful smile. All were a gift to anyone who crossed her path. Debbie will be missed by many.
Val & Dave Bohmer
July 23
Debbie was such a special person. We feel lucky to have shared time with her.
Shari Bjorklund
July 22
How lucky was I to meet Debbie at the U of MN and then get to work with her for many years. Debbie was always upbeat, no matter what, gracious and fun...oh, we did have fun. I know she will be missed by so many who were lucky to call her family or friend. Rest is Peace.
Carol Romundstad Childs
July 21
Dear Laurie and Dave,
My most sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Debbie. I was so fortunate to become a Pi Phi sister with you and Debbie at the U of M, Laurie, and we all have wonderful memories from there. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers - Debbie was a true Pi Phi Angel!
Tom Moore
July 20
Rest is peace sweet Debbie. You will be missed by so many.
Tom Moore
Marie Thompson
July 20
Debbie was always so happy to come to my art classes. We all missed her very much. May she Rest In Peace.
Rose Imray, jgcc
July 20
I so enjoyed my time with Deb, especially our painting classes. She is surely missed. Such a great lady!
Ingrid Emminger
July 20
So sorry for your loss. Remember Debra from water aerobics. We had a good time. May God bless you and your family.
Sue & Graham Andrews U.K.
July 20
So sorry for your loss of Debbie.
I only met Debbie on two occasions but spoke to her often on the phone,
always found her to be a lovely bubbly person
Although you and Debbie’s family must be heartbroken I'm sure your relieved that Debbie is now at rest
Thinking of you Paul and Debbie’s family at this sad time
Rob Plunkett
July 19
We have lost a sweet and tender friend who brought joy to those who knew her. We will miss her and her frequent calls to stop for an ice cream cone the last couple of years.
Larry Kuusisto
July 19
This sweet woman has held a special place in my mind since maybe ninth grade at South Junior High and at HHS in Hopkins. Thanks to the good fortune of alphabetical assignment our lockers were always next to one another. I was a science nerd from the rural part of the district (Eden Prairie) and Debbie was the smart and popular "pom pom" girl. She was so delightfully warm and Debbie always brightened my mornings. Blessings to her loved ones. She was a sincerely lovely person to know, since we met at 15.
Becky Romig
July 19
Deb was not only my neighbor for 20+ years, she was my best friend. We shared so much happiness, laughter, and good times together. She always had a smile on her face no matter what the situation and brightened my day. She will forever be in my heart.
Mary Jean Petroski.
July 19
Pi Phi hugs and kisses.
Khalid Nuaimy - Abu Dhabi-UAE
July 19
Requiescat in Pace (R.I.P) Debbie and may almighty God bless your soul. May my condolences bring you my dear friend Paul comfort and my prayers ease the pain of your loss. I have very fond memories of Debbie as a delightful and wonderful gentle soul and will forever remain in our hearts.
Dan and Ulrika
July 19
A wonderful person has left us. We are deeply sad but also happy we knew her. Our thoughts are with Paul at this time.
Dave Bohmer
July 19
Debbie was one of the nicest and best of all people I have known. She will be missed by everyone touched by her life
Surya Reis
July 19
Lumpengloeckchen, heiße Himbeeren mit Schlagsahne - those were the first German words we taught Debbie and it gave us laughter and joy without end for years to come.
My condolences to Laurie and family.
Paul, you and Debbie are a part of our family. All my love
Alexander Vater
July 19
We met Debbie as such a dear, warmhearted person and we are really sorry, dear Paul, for this loss.
We send our deepest condolences!
Alex and Ria
Pierre and Helga Verfaille
July 19
Dear Paul, we are deeply sorry to hear about the death of Debbie. We remember the time we passed together, especially in Minneapolis as well as in Germany. She will live in our memories forever and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Please convey our condolences to her family.
Sincerely yours
Christine and Peter Reis
July 19
She was our dear friend for 34 years. Our 3 children called Debbie their second mother. We will miss her dearly.
Sandra McCaffrey
July 19
When I moved on to Saltmeadow Ct S I was incredibly blessed to have Deb, a classy, sweet and welcoming neighbor. I will forever treasure our wonderful Christmas Eve dinners at Paul & Debs. She helped me look for our dog Rooney after an early morning escape. I think she was barefoot but happy to help. Enjoy your place in Heaven for you are certainly an angel.
Talla Skogmo
July 19
Paul, Laurie and Dave; I am so very very sorry for your loss! Deb was one of the good guys, a true light to everyone and someone I have always admired and looked up to. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Talla
Bruno and Rosie Schmidt
July 19
Paul, Please accept our deepest condolences on Debbie's passing. She was a good woman and you had many great years together. I know your agonies the last few years, but know she is in a better place. If there is anything we can do to commiserate with you, please don't hesitate to ask.
Your friends,
Bruno and Rosie
Tim Anderson
July 19
My condolences to all who loved Deb. She was easy to love. As beautiful inside as out, Up for any adventure that came her way, smart, and well liked by everyone that met her. One of those people you could not not like. She will be missed by all.
Kada Westby
July 19
My heart is aching.
My sincere condolences go out to all of Debbie's family.
Debbie was the epitome of positivity, joy, love of life and spunk.
A beautiful friend both on the outside and the inside.
Pint sized perfection !!
www.GILLBROTHERS.com