Debra Jean Riemer, age 69 of Henning, was welcomed into her Savior’s arms on January 11, 2023 at Lakewood Care Center in Staples, Minn. She was reunited with her beloved husband, Randy, after being apart for seven months. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, January 17, 2022, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Henning, with Pastor Dan Larsen officiating. Congregational Hymns were accompanied by Dianne Gutknecht. Special Music was provided by Rob Thalman. Pallbearers were Mike Stromberg, Bryan Stromberg, Jimmy Iken, Rick Garrels, Jeff Stevens, Tim Johnson, Jason Kovar, and Kendra Schumacher. Debra was laid to rest at Wadena Cemetery, Wadena. 

Debra “Deb” Jean Crabb was born to Jim and Betty (Kovar) Crabb on May 9, 1953, in Wadena.  She was baptized into the Christian faith and later confirmed her faith. Deb was active in 4-H when she was growing up.   

Deb married the love of her life, Randall “Randy” Riemer, on October 6, 1973 in Bertha. They would make their home by Hewitt, for a short time before moving to Henning. The couple was blessed with a daughter Erin and a son Eric. 

Deb worked various jobs including working at local banks, the local drug store, and did at home daycare. In 1989 Deb decided to pursue her lifelong dream of being a teacher. She attended Fergus Falls Community College where she graduated with honors. She then attended Moorhead State University where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. Deb began her teaching career at St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Perham, where she taught first and second grade before transitioning into teaching kindergarten. Deb treasured her students. She retired from teaching in 2015. She then was a substitute teacher and sold Avon until her health concerns prevented her from working. 

Deb had an extraordinary love for others. She treasured time with her children and grandchildren. She had a servant heart and helped others as much as she could. Deb enjoyed time with her friends and had many dear friends who became a part of her family. 

Left to mourn her passing are her daughter Erin (Brian) Guck of Wadena, son Eric (Maddy Simons) Riemer of Trail City, S.D., her grandchildren Riley and Abby Guck, Hayden, Weston, Bryndle, and Paisley Riemer, mother Betty Crabb, sister Jeannie (Doug) Stromberg, brother in law Richard (Pauline) Riemer, sisters-in-law Jean (Don) Kassube, and Carol (Jim) Guse, brothers-in-law Joseph Kovar and Bob Iken Jr., and many other relatives and friends. 

Deb was preceded in death by her beloved husband Randy, father Jim Crabb, father and mother in law Richard and Esther Riemer, sister Tammy Iken, sisters-in-law Cleone Riemer and Joyce Kovar, and brother-in-law Ralph Marcott. 

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Lakewood Care Center for the care, compassion, and kindness shown to Deb over the last months of her life. 

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Deb’s Tribute Wall. 

Arrangements provided by Belmont-Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Henning.