we had so much fun. im her grandson i loved playing cards,hide and seek,i wish i could do so.


love jaxon

My dear friend Deb. I met her when she bought The Point at Lake Miniature and worked for her there and at the Sky port after she bought it. I have so many good memories of her.  She was the judge of the "Onion" parties that Jim and I use to have. One year she forgot an onion in her vehicle and later couldn't figure out what that smell was after it went bad. Never told the person it belonged to. Jim used to tease her a lot. One particular time was when she wore a bright yellow pair of pants.  He said she looked like a banana. She never wore them again. And every time I would come across the banana boat song (not sure of the name) I would chuckle and send it to her without commenting. She knew what it meant and I hope that she chuckled too. So many memories and I dearly loved her. She's an awesome lady and in time we will cross paths again. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. She had so many friends.  

I met Debbie in 6th grade in jr high we became best friends in those years and shared many adventures, last time we talked we laughed and said we were grateful for no cameras back then ha.
We would hang out at the bowling alley while the grownups bowled, play pool and listen to the jute box and walk along the railroad tracks and make whistle out of strapping left by the trains. Of course she learned to whistle without them, I was always so jealous.
We would go to the Lariat and dance on Saturday nights, then collect unbroken beer bottles in the alley the next morning for .05 refunds so we had spending money the next week.
She was my matron of honor in my wedding, I will always treasure having her in my life. 

I have so many wonderful memories of family vacations, lake adventures and plain ‘ole let’s get together during the 80’s and 90’s. We spent most all weekends in the summer at Glendo, Hawk Springs and Oliver Reservoir. The yellow school bus was our home away from home. We all loved to water ski until we couldn’t go anymore! Nights were spent playing cards. We all looked forward to Deb’s pasta salad – the yummiest ever.

We loved to dress up for Halloween and attend various parties. Lots of trick or drinking went along with that as well. We spent so much time creating elaborate costumes year after year!

We may have spent just a little time at a bar or two and I could always count on ending up with a few mementos hidden in my purse, compliments of Deb or Rich of course. Then there was the time we had gone out for dinner. Deb took leftovers home in her purse, actually, to the office at the wrecking yard north of Kimball. Those leftovers however were forgotten…. For a couple of weeks in a drawer until your she was gagging and had to search for the horrible odor….

Through it all, I could always look forward to a lot of laughs and a lot of love. Deb loved her family and friends from the depth of her sole. She was loved right back! 


For some reason my original entry did not post. I don't think I can recreate it. So will just say, I have 50+ years of memories to hold and treasure.  I was blessed to have Deb as my friend and sister-in-law. I will miss her every single day for the rest of my life. 

We grew up kinda like sisters, 4 yrs & 1 month apart in age for a few yrs
I don’t remember too much, I don’t think we got into much trouble lol
I do remember getting on her nerves while I played my Elvis Presley records every morning. 
Deb is who taught me how to make the best ham & bean soup, she sure knew how to cook
I wish I  had her cooking skills
I remember being at Debs house in Scottsbluff and we had Robert (my son) cut the grass, I saw him getting to close to Debs  rose plant and I ran out the door screaming stop! Deb came out yelling  what’s wrong “ I just saved your rose plant” we started laughing because Robert thought it was a weed.
Deb was a down to earth person, and a awesome aunt. 
You will be missed! 





I met Deb when I first moved to Western Nebraska. My family owned “Big T” in Gering where I met Steve and we became friends. This led to a friendship with Deb. It was through Big T, Rich’s Wrecking, The Point and Skyport that our friendship evolved to be like family.
When Deb was working very long hours at The Point Steve asked me if I could help her a few mornings a week. I remember her getting “mad” at me because I was letting the fishermen get their own minnows because I didn’t want to touch them; she said “They’re taking all the Fatties” 
By the time she was at the Skyport I was working at the airport so I got to see her all the time! 
Once Candi and I were working a very hard winter shift we went to the Skyports all you could eat soup and salad bar, after 12 hours we asked Deb if that applied to all day. Of course it did!
When I hurt my shoulder and couldn’t braid my hair before work she did it for me!
When I broke my ankle she met me at the door with a wheelchair and wheeled me into the Skyports Christmas party, what I didn’t know she had been saving bubble wrap and had everyone come up one at a time and place a piece on me.
Once I gifted her with a “Red Hat” which soon was passed between us on each birthday, when I received it last, Deb and Stephanie had embellished with a big red “K” and beads.    
And our football rivalry made for an interesting text message exchange over the years. I was for the Chicago Bears and she loved the Green Bay Packers. She always seemed to get more slams in! 
The picture is when I put a small Bear helmet on the top of her car. In fact this photo popped up in my Google memories the day she passed.
Deb was always there for me and my family in life’s greatest joys and heartaches.
A few weeks ago Deb called and told me of her desire to be baptized and asked if I could arrange that. It soon was, and  that will certainly be counted as one of my life’s greatest joys!
So my dear friend this is not goodbye, I will see you again!!

Oh Mama Deb we all are going to miss you so very much. You treated me like a daughter and best friend; as well as my family. 
I remember last fall I was heading to your house to blow out your sprinklers when they FINALLY showed up. You thanked me, told me you loved me and said you were taking me out either way. I said I didn't do anything, no worries I love you. Your response..... You are going to argue with me? Lol no Ma'am I'm not. Thank you for so many more memories and your heart.

Deb and I met through a mutual family member who always told me you both have so much in common you could become great friends, was she so right!! Not only did she become a great friend, more like another sister, she also brought extended family. 
There are so many  great memories from the many road trips,  to just having a red beer together. They were always filled with laughter, sometimes  tears, she could tell a truth like no one if needed, but  always with such love and kindness.
I am so honored to have had her as my dear friend, although not long enough she will forever be  missed an in my heart..
Rest in peace beautiful.

Wow! with tears tears falling down my face I never realized how much this lady meant to me! She was an amazing boss and always told you how it was but was always down to earth and the type of friend you never got tired of being around.  Her family became our family instantly. She will be greatly missed! R. I. P DEB. Hugs & Prayers for her loved ones! 

Mom,
I feel honored to call you that, but it is what you were to me. 

You took me in and loved me like I was your own.  You yelled at me when I needed to hear it.  You showed support when you saw tears in my eyes. You fostered a friendship that spans decades and continues to grow.

You leave behind loved ones that are my family. I’ll love them like my own, yell when necessary, and always support. Things I learned from you. 

Your love continues to grow in all of us. 
Rest in peace.
Carla  

Deb was a true friend to all she met. When Rich & I moved out to the lake, she made us feel so welcome. Over the years I worked for Deb, she was always a great friend and great boss. I will always hold her in my heart. Steph & Steve & family, Rich and I extend our deepest condolences. I know that you & her grandbabies were her greatest joy. Even though we moved to ND, we kept in touch & I will miss her deeply.

Don't think I can post a single memory. Deb was a part of my life, or I was a part of hers, since she was 16 or 17, and I  began dating Don, her brother. Now, 50 + years later, so many memories!  An old song lyric has been playing in the background of my mind most of tonight. "Memories pressed between the pages of my mind. Memories sweeten through the ages just like wine." How can anyone choose one single memory for someone who has been a part of your life that long? Memories of her wedding day to Rich! Steven's birthday! Cream can social at the Kimball lake! After Rich left the service, Deb managing the cafe in Dix ( or heck, was that Potter?) Then her & Rich creating Rich's Wrecking in Kimball! Stephanie's birth! Them buying The Wooden Keg, selling that, moving to Minetare, buying & running The Point. The heartache she hid when her and Rich divorced.  Her happiness as grandchildren came into her life. Running Skyport restaurant! Cutting back (really? Yes! Another job was her idea of cutting back) by taking the job at WalMart! Being so pleased to finally have good health insurance with WalMart. Through the years, watching her handle heartbreak as she lost people she loved. Her neighbor, the year Don was on isolated duty in Alaska. Rich's sister (Carol), Frannie (Mom), Jody, her friend, Mick (aka. Skippy), her sister, Jan...   And through it all, her work ethic, leadership, friendship to so many. Her dang German stubborn strength of mind. Our Alaskan cruise where, after all these years, my heart found a sister, where before there was only a sister-in-law). Seeing the strong friendship bonds she forged with so, many.  Brain cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, Keytruda infusions, another lung cancer surgery, then the final, devastating, liver cancer diagnosis. The strength she found in prayer. Friends and loved ones who came day after day. Her kids and grandkids, how much she loved them. Her pride in them all. So many memories pressed between the pages of my mind. 

I was Debs dishwasher and all around clean up guy for many years at The Point. She would be so mad if she knew how many beers I snuck when I would clean on Monday’s,( we were closed on Monday’s). Deb always treated me like one of her own and I always called her mama Deb. One hell of a soul to have graced us and walked the earth. I love you mama Deb

I only knew Deb this beautiful soul for a short time, but almost immediately I felt as though I had known her my whole life, she was such a caring, thoughtful woman, she was truly a shining light, I  as many will carry you in my heart and am blessed to have had you in my life, I love and will miss you.

From the first time I met Deb at the Point, she has always treated me like family. She was always a genuine and caring person, always loved her witty personality and sense of humor. She was one of a kind and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

When I met Deb I was applying for a job, her and little Deb were concerned that I might be to straight laced but thay gave me a shot, the rest is history.  I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful of an employer she was. She treated me and Walt like family. She was generous and giving and always treated her customers like they were special. She always made every Halloween and New year's eve partys fun and silly. I remember the two of us sitting on chairs in front of the bathroom door to block someone in. Crazy!! Rich shooting  pop bottle rockets under the bathroom door and the person inside squealing.  These are memories that I will carry all my days, she was loved and will forever be missed.

With my daughter in law came her mother..a bonus for me! We found out we shared a birthday, same day, same year. We called ourselves twins, another bonus. With Steph's help we shared a trip to a Husker game and a 60th bday wingding. At our many good family times we always wished she would have stayed longer but she was a hard working, dedicated lady. She was a quiet soul, she'd sit back and listen, laugh and maybe roll her eyes  but her quick wit usually got the last laugh. We enjoyed our stories about the grandsons we shared.. They became her warriors and always  brought her to a happy place. I feel honored to have shared grandmotherhood with her and i will miss our talks, our laughs and all our common denominators. Rest in peace my dear bonus twin. Your strength and attitude were an inspiration to me. I'll never forget you.

One time I got caught speeding headed home to the lake. JJ passed me & I saw his pickup at the Point so I stopped. Went I went into the Point, Deb had a donation can started for my bail money!!! 

Patience,a good way to describe her,always had time and patience to hear everyone's worries and stories..Our memories were always full of laughter and giggles..Not one peticular moment ,just many fond memories....I am blessed to have had her as a friend ,boss,and a partner in crime ..lol..Our first trip to the food show ,what a great time ,sampling food,and a few casinos ...forever in our hearts..



I met Deb (Mama Potato) when she started managing the Skyport.  I managed for the airline so we spent a lot of time together.   It was there I got to see the perfect balance of hard work, kindness, a sense of humor,  and being personable.   Working as hard as she did and still always having a smile on her face always impressed me.  She put up with my crap and gave it right back to me.  My bad days were always better because I had her, Stephanie and Karen there working hard by my side and also as comic relief.   I would be greeted every morning when I got in with her saying what a bed driver I was and that  she didn’t know how I didn’t hit the fence coming into the parking spot so fast.   My youngest son Trevin practically grew up at the airport and she helped raise him to love cooking and taking pride in hard work.   If I got busy and he disappeared I could always find him at the Skyport “helping”.  No matter how busy she was she still helped look after him, having him extend an arm and escorting ladies to their tables, “playing the piano” or doing dishes.  
As life took us both away from the airport we still remained close friends and kept in touch.  I loved her so much I got desperate enough to date her son just so she could be another mom to me.  (Hahahaha) and it worked because once you are part of her family you are always part of her family.   I have SO many happy memories and have had so many laughs with her.   There are too many to list but one of my favorites was the road trip to Cheyenne with her and Stephanie and us just being silly in the car and the mall.  On the trip she told me I was barking up the wrong potato and there on out mama potato and the potato jokes and pranks began and grew into a whole thing.   Her and Steph took a lot of pride in torturing me with pranks, especially on April Fools day.  I have to admit I loved it so much and will miss it.  I ran out of room to post more but just know.  I love you mama potato and I miss you so much.   

I love that Deb always took charge and was her own boss.   I will always remember growing up in Kimball, the lake and the Eich reunions :)   

Steve and Stephanie, you are in my prayers because I know how difficult it is to lose your mom at such a young age and always wishing she was there for something.   Just know there will be times when you can feel her presence.

Love Julie 

OBITUARY

Deborah D Albertson

September 20, 1954 – May 16, 2021

Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home & Crematory

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