Please click on the video tribute below to view Debbie's funeral and burial services.

Debbie (Kroshus) Gordon passed away on February 6th at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, ND, surrounded by her loving family and graciously cared for by the compassionate staff. Their kindness and dignity brought comfort to Debbie and to those who loved her.

Debbie was born on December 5, 1956, in Little Fork, MN, to Della and Kenneth Kroshus. She grew up in the Park Rapids area, where she learned early on the importance of family, hard work, and appreciating life's simple joys. She later moved to Borup, Minnesota, graduating from Borup High School in 1974 — a community that would always hold a special place in her heart.

She married Steven Gordon, and together they farmed outside of Borup while owning and operating a spraying and fertilizing company. They raised their family and shared many meaningful years together, building a life that brought both joys and challenges, and a family that would always remain one of her greatest blessings.

Life brought many adventures, and Debbie traveled across the country and beyond. She cherished summers at the lake, time in Florida, returning to Ada, and many winters in Texas. Her work in real estate, her wedding and décor business, and retail allowed her to express her creative side — something that brought her genuine happiness. She loved decorating, cooking, and gathering people together, pouring creativity into everything she did. From cakes and meals to parties and flipping houses, she had a knack for making ordinary things extraordinary and was known for going the extra mile, always adding a special, over-the-top touch.

Her greatest accomplishments and deepest blessings came from her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the greatest joys of her life, and her nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart. She believed strongly that differences should be set aside because there is nothing more important in life than the love of family.

Debbie's journey was not without hardship. She courageously fought breast cancer for several years, never allowing her health to define her. She also experienced profound loss, becoming the only surviving sibling of five children and enduring the heartbreak of burying two of her own children. Yet through it all, she found a way to rise again, cherish the time she was given, and never take a single day for granted. She searched for life's simple joys — and found them often.

Debbie is survived by her daughter Shaunna (Chris) Johnson; her daughter-in-law Shelley (Greg Crader) Gordon; her grandchildren Nick (Kassi) Gordon, Payton Gordon, Harley (Vanessa) Johnson, Wyatt (McKenzie) Johnson, Jesse (Taylor) Johnson, Macey (Shane Wahlund) Gordon, Beau (Kaelin Coffin) Johnson, and A.J. Weigsheid; her great-grandchildren Kyla Green, Rhett and Reece Johnson, Knox Gordon, Brooks Johnson, and Estelle Wahlund; her beloved nieces and nephews; and her longtime friend, Wes Hegreberg. She was preceded in death by sons Marcus and Andrew Gordon; parents Kenneth and Della Kroshus; sisters Darlene Ness, Karen Peppel, and Marilyn Kroshus; and brother Howard Kroshus.

Debbie will be remembered for her love of family, her creativity, and her joyful spirit. She taught all who knew her to show up for one another, laugh often, and never take for granted the time we are given.

Visitation: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN with a prayer service to begin at 6:30 PM. In honor of Debbie, wear flamingo or Hawaiian attire.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Winchester Lutheran Church, Borup, MN. In honor of Debbie, wear red if you have it. It was her favorite color.

Inurnment: Winchester Lutheran Cemetery, Borup, MN.

Celebration of Life Gathering & Potluck: Saturday, February 14, 2026, following the funeral service, beginning at 2:00 PM at the Borup Community Hall. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share.  All are welcome to attend.

Please view our guestbook and share condolences online for the family.