Deborah Ann Minette

Deborah Ann Minette, 72 of Wichita, Kansas formerly of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Life Care Center of Wichita with loving family at her side.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND with burial in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. A time of fellowship to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Deborah Ann, daughter of Julius and Marcella (Senger) Schafer was born on March 4, 1953, in Devils Lake, ND. She was raised and educated here, graduating from St. Mary’s High School. She continued her education at UND, earning a Degree in Business.

Debbie was once married to Jim Minette and they were the proud parents of a son, James.

Debbie worked for Pepsi in Wichita, Kansas as an accountant and HR officer her entire career, retiring from Pepsi in 2011. In 2012, she moved back to her roots in Devils Lake.

Debbie loved to swim, taught swimming lessons, and never turned down a chance to be near or in the water.

Wherever Debbie lived, she loved spending time with family and friends. She was always a willing, caring, loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt but in these last years, her battle with MS limited her abilities in many ways. In 2022, she moved back to Kansas to enjoy every moment possible with her son, daughter-in-law, and her grandsons. They brought her so much joy and so many treasured memories.

Her heart lives on in those left behind; Debbie’s loving family. Her son James Minette and his wife Tracy of Wichita; grandsons Hunter and Tanner Minette; siblings Jeanette (Mike) Klier, Minot ND, Judi (Albert) Bryl, Maple Grove, MN, Linda (Terry) Rosen, Bismarck, ND, Greg (Jeanne) Schafer, Devils Lake, ND and Juli (Kevin) Bryl also of Devils Lake; many nieces, nephews and their families and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.