Debra Kay Pierce

Debra Kay Pierce, age 66, of Park Rapids, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids. A memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2024, at Cavalry Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, with a visitation an hour prior.

Debra was born on August 31, 1958, to Kenneth and Ellen Braman in Bemidji, Minnesota. She was born prematurely, weighing only two pounds, and struggled with her health. She graduated from Bemidji High School in 1976. After school, Debra went on to work in daycare. She would suffer another hardship after being struck by a car and seriously injured while out walking with her niece. In a commendable act of selflessness, she saved her niece’s life by pushing her out of harm’s way at her own expense. Debra would go on to marry Orville “Buck” Pierce in Bemidji and the couple had a daughter, Shauna, in 1989. In 2011 she moved into the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, where she remained until her passing.

Debra enjoyed arts and crafts, crocheting, and putting together puzzles. She was a loving and doting grandmother. Debra was a devout Christian who loved reading from her worn Bible, with her favorite passages bookmarked for quick reference. She had a generous heart and will be remembered as a good neighbor. Despite lifelong health issues, she remained kind and caring. Debra is now free from pain and with her Lord. 

She is survived by her daughter, Shauna Pierce of Sebeka, MN; two sisters, Sandra (Steve) Johnson of Bemidji, MN; and Sharon Braman of Bemidji, MN; two grandchildren, Woodrow Johnson and Asher Pierce both of Sebeka, MN; and two nieces, Kimberly Johnson, and Rhonda Kent of both of Bemidji.

She is preceded in death by her partner, Buck; her parents, Kenneth and Ellen; and four grandchildren.