Debra "Deb" Gerdes

Debra “Deb” Kay Gerdes, age 69, was born on April 2, 1956, to John and Margaret (VanDyke) DeRuyter in Valley Springs, South Dakota. She was raised with her siblings on their family farm in Holland, Minnesota. As the oldest child, she learned how to put in a hard day’s work from an early age. She was no stranger to bailing hay, doing fieldwork, helping with her younger siblings, and other daily chores. She eventually learned to sew and began making some of her own clothing.

Deb graduated from Ruthton High School in 1974. Following her graduation, she was married to LeRoy Gerdes. A daughter (Stacy) was born from this union. Although they entered the marriage with the best of intentions, they parted ways in 1978. Deb then started a beautiful life with her love, Dave Jasper. Deb and Dave had a daughter (Jenny) and a son (Travis) together. Tragically, Dave passed away following a motorcycle accident in 1989.

She worked a variety of jobs including waitressing, the sewing factory, masonry and many others in her 20’s. She worked at Bayliner sewing boat seats for 20 years. She also opened a part-time upholstery company out of her home where she re-covered many area motorcycle seats, car seats, pieces of furniture, and other items. After an injury, Deb began working at the Holland Bar. It was then that she decided to take some college culinary courses. Deb served the community of Holland with delicious, homemade meals for several years. For the past 16 years, Deb has enjoyed working alongside her brother and sister-in-law, Brent and JoAnne DeRuyter, at DeRuyter Pallets. She loved working with family.

Deb loved her small community of Holland and remained there for her entire life. She devoted many years of her time to helping with community events and fundraising for the community. She was a member of the Holland Fire Department for 22 years. She was a member of the Holland First Responders and sat on the Holland City Council for several years. Deb was a pool shark who spent quite a few years shooting on area pool leagues. She had a passion for riding her Harley Davidson motorcycle and cherished the friendships she made with those she rode with. Her weekends were spent at her favorite camping spot with Steve at Stoney Point.

She was the hardest worker you would ever meet. She earned the nickname “Debbie-do” or “Debbie-do-a-lot” depending on who you talked to. She loved her family fiercely and put everything she had into them. She cherished her grandchildren so, so much! She was caring, dedicated, unselfish, and kind. She worked long days and always made time for family, regardless of how tired she was. She enjoyed attending church at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. She gave so much to others, even when things were tough for her. Deb passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, Minnesota. She will be missed beyond measure.

Deb is lovingly remembered by her three children; Stacy (Joel) Jacoby of Holland, Minnesota, Jenny Jasper of Brookings, South Dakota, and Travis (Alicia) Jasper of Holland, Minnesota; her siblings, Tammy (Randy) Helzer of Fort Collins, Colorado, Greg (LeAnne) DeRuyter of Okabena, Minnesota, Bryan DeRuyter of Holland, Minnesota, Brent (JoAnne) DeRuyter of Ruthton, Minnesota, Jeff (Shelli) DeRuyter of Holland, Minnesota, Todd (Osiris) DeRuyter of Holland, Minnesota, Rich (Stephanie) DeRuyter of Ruthton, Minnesota, Lyn (Kevin) Senum of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Gary (Bernie) DeRuyter of Lake Benton, Minnesota, Doug (Judy) DeRuyter of Holland, Minnesota, Connie Fletcher of Holland, Minnesota, Dave (Marge) DeRuyter of Holland, Minnesota, Chad DeRuyter of Holland, Minnesota; her nine grandchildren, Zach, Teya, Kailee, Kylah, Malachi, Kaia, Daiven, Bryson, Rowan; her three great-grandchildren, Ella, Myles, Luca; her long time companion, Steven Jasper; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Deb is preceded in death by Dave Jasper (father of Jenny and Travis); her parents, John and Margaret DeRuyter; sisters, Karen DeGroot and Barb Brinkhous; LeRoy Gerdes (father of Stacy); sister-in-law, Lynne DeRuyter; and nephew, Devon Fletcher.