Debra Bahls

Debra Jean (Balcer) Bahls was born on June 17, 1953 the daughter of Thaddeus “Ted” and Laverne (Dulski) Balcer. She attended Perham Public Schools and graduated in 1971. She was baptized, received Holy Communion, confirmed and married at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Perham, MN.

She joined with Dallas Lee Bahls on August 18, 1972 in Holy Matrimony. This union was blessed with three sons.

Debra farmed with her husband on his family farm milking cows for 27 years and then raising beef cattle for another seven years. During this time, she also worked as an administrative secretary for 32 years for the Frazee-Vergas School District. Debra retired in May of 2015.

Debra’s greatest love was for her Savior, her family, her friends and the great outdoors. She loved life and lived for adventure. She made simple things special. A visit, an invite to dinner, camping and vacations always had her added touch, making you feel like royalty. Deb brought love and light into so many lives. She was Dallas’ “Debbie Jean” a proud mom to their three sons and their beautiful wives. She was also special daughter, sweet sister, favorite auntie and dear friend. Deb was the best grandma ever to the loves of her life, Valerie, Carter and Shayla; they were her pride, her joy and her heart. She has made us all better people through her love and kindness, and for that we are all thankful. She especially loved to go camping and beating her husband in fishing contests even though she always managed to let the biggest ones get away. Deb also loved to go dancing whenever she got the chance.

Today we are lost and hurting but one day our memories of Deb will bring smiles and laughter. Like on a cold December day if you listen close, you might hear, “We’re making ice” or on a warm summer day on the lake, you might hear her shout, “Fish on!” and you will feel her presence right there beside you.

If you were lucky enough to have had Deb in your life, then you were truly blessed.

Debra is survived by her husband Dallas; her three sons Kyle (Melissa Jo Hofer), Shane (Wendy Zepeda) and Jesse (Lacey Planteen); her three grandchildren Carter, Valerie and Shayla; her mother Laverne Balcer; her sister Karen Kemnitz; her brother Joe (Theresa) Balcer; along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

Debra was preceded in death by her father; and her grandparents.

Walk-through visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 6:40 and Parish Prayers at 7:00 on Sunday, November 22 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Perham. Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23 at St. Henry’s Church. Burial will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. Masks and social distancing are required during these services. The Mass will be live-streamed on Debra’s page at www.schoenebergerfh.com and also uploaded as a webcast within a few hours of the Mass.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com

Debra J.'s Memorial Folder