Deborah Clark, age 71, of Callaway, MN, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at her home under the loving care of her family and HIA Hospice.

Deborah Lynn Tonstad was born on April 12, 1955, in Minneapolis, MN, to Benny and Evelyn (Holmquist) Tonstad. She attended school in the Twin Cities and later proudly earned her GED. While living there, she welcomed her first daughter, Lisa.

Deborah later married Merlin Murray, and together they were blessed with four children: William, Regina, Gene, and Brian. The family made their home in Becker County, where Deborah devoted herself to caring for her family and home. In 1980, she moved to Callaway, and she and Merlin later went their separate ways.

Over the years, Deborah worked at several local businesses, including Perkins, Baker's Café, the Callaway Store, and the bakery in Detroit Lakes. On August 4, 1990, she was united in marriage to Ernest Clark, and together they welcomed a son, Ernest Jr. Deborah continued working until her health challenges required her to slow down. She was surrounded by loved ones on her birthday—the same day she was peacefully called home to heaven.

Always one to be busy, Deborah enjoyed fishing and tending to her flower garden, where her green thumb truly shined. She was an excellent cook and baker, always making sure no one left her home hungry. She was also a devoted bingo player, often traveling to Shooting Star Casino and Big Top Bingo to enjoy her favorite pastime. Known for her skill and enthusiasm, she could manage multiple cards at once, even while keeping an eye on others' cards, and once played for an impressive 14 hours straight.

In her younger years, Deborah loved attending WE Fest with Ernest and traveling across the United States as his co-pilot while he drove semi. Above all, she cherished time with her children and grandchildren, whether attending their activities or baking cookies together at Christmastime. Deborah will be remembered for her loving and caring nature, always had an ear to listen, was always there for her children,  and for the way she always made those around her feel welcomed, cared for, and well-fed.

Deborah is survived by her husband of 35 years, Ernest; children: Lisa Torblaa, William (Mandi) Murray, Regina (Paul Pemberton) Murray, Gene (Melanie Schultz) Murray, Brian Murray, and Ernest (Raquel) Clark Jr.; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; siblings: Mary Green and Wayne (Gayle) Tonstad; and many nieces and nephews. Deborah is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tony Tonstad; brothers-in-law, Jim Green, Michael Murray, and Bill Clark; sisters-in-law, Charlene Moran, Dorthy (Bud) Watson, Ruth (Leo) Hutson, and Alice (Bob) Desjordins; and nephew, Christopher Tonstad.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Assumption of Mary Catholic Church, Callaway, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Callaway.