Service Information
Debra L. Colson, age 69, of Glencoe, formerly Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at The Gardens at Winsted in Winsted, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, 11:00 A.M., at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 A.M., 1 hour prior to the service ALL at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
Obituary
Debra “Deb” Lynn Colson was born on July 17, 1956, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Gerard and Marie (Hagen) Colson. She was baptized as an infant at Elim Covenant Church in Minneapolis and confirmed in her faith as a youth at Buffalo Evangelical Free Church in Buffalo, Minnesota. In the late 1960s, her family moved to Buffalo, where she grew up and later graduated from Buffalo High School in 1975.
After high school, Deb studied graphic design at St. Cloud Vocational Technical School and began her career working in newspaper print design. She also lived in Alaska for a year with a friend and later spent time in Texas, creating memories and friendships she treasured.
Deb eventually followed her heart into nursing, earning her LPN license and working in a variety of healthcare settings. She especially enjoyed caring for individuals with disabilities and found great fulfillment in working with the elderly. Known for her compassion and dedication, she touched many lives throughout her career before retiring in 2008.
Faith and family were the cornerstones of Deb’s life. She was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Monticello, and in 2015, she moved to Glencoe to be closer to her children and grandchildren. There, she became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Plato, where her faith continued to guide her.
Deb was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She had a gift for listening and was always ready to share a laugh or a heartfelt conversation, often over a cup of coffee. Her love for Starbucks was fueled by her best friend, Mary Jo, who preceded her in death and whom she longed to be reunited with in heaven. Deb also enjoyed movies and documentaries and was known for her detailed reviews that made family and friends smile. Most of all, she cherished time with her grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and joy.
Deb will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and her ability to make others feel cared for and loved. She will be deeply missed, but forever remembered in our hearts. Blessed be her memory.
She is survived by her children, Jesse Colson and Jamie (James) Krohn; her beloved grandchildren, Michael Colson, Ethan Colson, Chelsea Colson, Jordan Colson, Ashley Colson, Damien Krohn, Tristan Krohn, and Holden Krohn; her siblings, Louis Colson, Marilyn Colson, Daniel Colson, and Ruthy Colson-Schwartz; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerard and Marie Colson.
*The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ridgeview Hospital, Moments Hospice, and the Gardens at Winsted, along with all the other caregivers who compassionately supported Deb and helped make her life more comfortable.
Robyn says
My deepest sympathy to the family of Debra! She was a class mate! Rest in peace!
Robyn says
So sorry for the loss of Debra! She was a class mate of mine! Rest in Peace!
Harry Spieker says
So very sorry to hear of Deb’s passing. Although I didn’t know her very well, having been gone from Minnesota for so many years, it is sad to know that another of our family is gone. However, she is in a better place. Thoughts and prayers for all the family and friends.
God bless you all.
Ruth Schwartz says
Thank you. And I know that Deb is grateful.
And, We will be having a family reunion in August 2026. So please stay in contact with us. I am Ruth Colson-Schwartz
Kim Anderson-Woods says
Rest in Peace dear Deb and may God comfort all of my dear Colson friends, who have always been like family since the 70’s.
Terrie Gorrie Hopkins says
My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to all of you in the loss of my cousin, Deb. My mom, your Aunt Ollie, and your dad, were siblings. I have such fond memories of our time spent in Buffalo at Lake Pulaski. Your tribute to Deb was so beautiful. I have read it over and over. May peace and comfort guide you in the days ahead
Ruth Schwartz says
Thank you.