A time of remembrance for Debra Kay Oldenburger will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Napoleon, ND.

Debra Kay was born October 18, 1972 at Wishek, ND to Roger and Kay Oldenburger. She attended Napoleon Baptist Church and was baptized there. Deb attended Napoleon High School, graduating in 1991. Deb was active in track, volleyball and basketball. She received much recognition, with awards and trophies in all three sports. Deb received a number of college recruitment letters and decided to accept a full basketball scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley. The team traveled extensively throughout the U.S. for their games and tournaments. She graduated from CAL in 1995 with a degree in psychology. Following graduation, Deb started her career of helping others and giving of herself to make their lives better. She worked in a group home for mentally and physically challenged people of all ages. Deb traveled to Europe, spending 6 weeks there and then resumed her employment. Deb advanced her career and became a supervisor for the same organization. She worked with unending compassion for 15 years and left this position in October of 2010 due to health problems.

Deb passed away March 4, 2011 at St. Paul United Hospital at MN. She was 38 years old.

Deb is survived by her life companion of 13 years, Linda Parker, parents, Roger and Kay Oldenburger, sister, Doreen (Brad) Reister, nephew, Benjamin Reister, Linda's family, Carol (Rick) Alder, David (Bonnie) Parker, Grace and John Parker, and special friend, Helen Peterson. She will be greatly missed by her pets, Vegas, Lucy and Maggie. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, several great aunts and uncles and her beloved cat, Cruiser. The family requests no flowers. All memorial money will be used to establish a scholarship fund in Deb's memory at Napoleon High School.

Jim Simmers, friend and graduate of Napoleon High School class of 1987 summed it up best: I guess it was draft day in the HBA (Heavens Basketball Association) and you made the team. You will be missed. You brought to our school a lot of pride. It was so fun to watch you play on the teams you played for. You are in a better place now and I hope you pray for us as my family will pray for you and yours. See you again someday, keep the basketballs full of air and the court warm and someday we will play a game of Horse. Share memories and sign online guestbook at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com. Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Napoleon, ND entrusted with arrangements.