Debra K. Willner, age 71, of Wells, MN died October 4th 2024 from complications of Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency in Rochester. A visitation will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells, MN. The funeral service will be at Nasinec Funeral Home Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00am with visitation an hour prior (10:00am) to the service with Pastor Vern Christopherson officiating.

Debra Kay (Ferch) Willner was born May 4th, 1953 in Waterloo, IA to Leland and Dorthy (Delap) Ferch.  She graduated from Charles City High School in May of 1971 and married Duane Billings on May 29, 1971 and to this union had two sons, Chad and Jerad, the couple later divorced. She worked at a fabric store in Mason City, Iowa. Deb later moved to Minnesota where she met and later married James (Jim) A. Willner on December 8, 1978 in their home in front of family. She gained two step children, Jason and Jenell, and she and James welcomed two children together; Jessie and James.

She worked summers for Del Monte, then Stokley, worked many years for Herman Manufacturing, worked as a hospice caregiver, worked at Cenex station in Wells, bartender at the Wells American Legion for many years, but her main focus was the Administrative Assistant for the director of the Special Education Department of Wells-Easton, and then United South Central schools. Her final few years of working before retiring she worked at The Shepherd’s Inn assisted living home in Wells. Making many friendships, and caring for others in their final days. She had a passion for caring for others, always putting others first. She had a dream of going to college, and fulfilled it when she graduated from Rasmussen College, in Mankato MN with a degree in Medical Transcription. She was an active member at the Wells American Legion, and at the Bricelyn American Legion Post 165, in Bricelyn, MN. Member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wells.

She had a passionate love for reading. Always had a book nearby, possibly reading more than one at a time. She has a stash of books in almost every room of her home. She passed her love for reading to her granddaughters, she helped buy them books when they asked. Her other passions were sewing and quilting. Over the years her room had changed in the home and contained her many projects, fabric, supplies, etc. to finally consist of the entire 2nd floor of the house. Jim made her a table to work on, hung many lights. She had everything she needed to keep her company while sewing upstairs. As her disease worsened, she had troubles getting to her peaceful retreat. She left behind an abundant amount of unfinished projects. She loved flying to Galveston Island to visit her sister and brother-in-law. She enjoyed her visits to favorite spot next to the beach to The Poop Deck for a dressed Corona.

She enjoyed many things such as bowling, making many trips to state tournaments, solving crossword puzzles, playing Skip-bo, quilting with friends, putting together puzzles and playing slots on her Kindle, and spending weekends in Iowa with family and friends. Many trips to Canada as a family, and northern MN, fishing and a few years spent at a resort located on the same lake her husband as a child visited on family vacations. The last few years they were able to spend time in Nisswa, MN, in a small RV park. They closed the camper last season, unable to ever open it up this year to spend time near the lake.

Deb was a friendly, down to earth person, who was always willing to lend a helping hand. She cared about people, and was never denied a hug. She was a saver. Hung on to everything. Especially items that were gifted to her. Never letting go of things close to her heart. Those that know her the best, knew she was never on time, and drove her husband crazy.

Diagnosed in 2012 with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition that affected her liver. She lost one sibling from the disease, and 2 other siblings were diagnosed as carriers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Darrell and Ernest Ferch.

She is survived by: her husband James of 45 years of Wells, children: Chad (Shannon) Billings of Garner, IA; Jerad (Paula) Billings of Wells; Jessie Willner (special Friend Ross Roberts) Kiester; James B. Willner of Wells; Step-son Jason (Joie) Willner of Albert Lea; Step-Daughter Jenell Willner of Chanhassen; Grandchildren: Breanna, Nick, Alyssa, Lexi and Jacob; Jacob; Riley, Jaycie, Hadley and Averey; Declan; Andrew, Hannah; Desiree, Johnny, Justin, Jayden and Jasiah; along with 6 great-grandchildren. Her sister Darla Jean (Dr. Roger) Throndson of Galveston, TX. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members, and close friends.