Debra L Olinger

Debra Louise Olinger, age 57 of Mankato, died Monday, January 14, 2008 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 17, 2008 at Mankato Mortuary with Rev. Jim Dye officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour before the service on Thursday.

Debra was born February 26, 1950 to Emmett and Louise (Penrod) Shrader in Aurora, IL. She graduated from Bethany High School in 1968 where she was a cheerleader, class treasurer, and had the lead in the senior class play. Debra was united in marriage to Steve Olinger in 1968. They had one daughter, Michelle Louise. At 22 years old Deb was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Deb has been a resident at Hillcrest Health Care Center since 1997. Her friends at Hillcrest Health Care Center loved her awesome personality, her willingness to always help with crafts and bingo which she enjoyed and she often won. Deb brought love and laughter to the residents and they returned this with loving care and friendship.

Deb is survived by her daughter, Michelle Olinger of Valpariso, FL; mother, Louise (Gilbert Nickels) Penrod of Elburn, IL; brother, Thomas Shrader of Mankato; sister Mindy (Mitch) Thielges of Mankato; aunt Lucille Swan; cousins Pamela Riddle, Allen (Lynette) Swan, Craig Swan, Lisa Quilte.

Preceded in death by father, Emmett; step-father, Paul Moldstad.