Debra Ann Jansen

Debra “Debbi” Jansen, 55, of rural Good Thunder, MN, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, February 27, 2021, after a courageous and hard-fought battle against pancreatic cancer.

Debra was born on July 28, 1965, in Mankato, MN, to David and Shirley Wolfe. She attended Franklin Elementary and graduated from Mankato East High School in 1983.

Debbi worked various jobs throughout her life, including McDonald’s, Shopko, EI Microcircuits, Happy Dan’s, Holiday, and most recently, MVAC Again Thrift and More. Debbi’s favorite place of employment was working five years at Mettler’s - Great people - Good friends.

Debbi married Chuck Jansen November 17, 1990, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Together, they had four children, Kyle David, Kellie Ann, Molly Ann, and Kayla Louise.

They moved to rural Good Thunder and raised their kids and built a beautiful life amongst the tragic loss of their son, Kyle, in December 1991.

Debbi enjoyed watching baseball, football, and hockey. She especially enjoyed watching and “betting” on the Kentucky Derby with her mother, Shirley, and daughters. Debbi truly loved watching her kids plays sports and watching them perform and grow with their dancing. She enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, fishing, and exploring the great outdoors. A fun-filled roadtrip was always an adventurous time. The thing Debbi loved the most was time spent with her family and grandchildren.

Debbi is survived by her husband, Chuck; her daughters, Kellie (Josh) Lange of Rosemont, MN, Molly (Jordan Gay) of Saint Peter, and Kayla of Good Thunder; grandchildren, Harper and Maddox (children of Kellie and Josh); father, David Wolfe of Cook, MN; brothers, Daniel (Janis) of Pequot Lakes, MN and Thomas of Mankato, MN; aunts, Mary Lou of Mankato, MN and Nancy Millang of Freeborn, MN; in-laws, Ida and Harvey Jansen of WA; brothers-in-law, Arnold Poelstra of WA and Paul (Debra) Jansen of CO; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She could never forget her “tribe.” You know who you are!

Debbi was preceded in death by her son, Kyle David; mother, Shirley Wolfe; her grand baby, Lange; and her grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, Debbi has asked you to donate to either Camp Oz, The Good Thunder Fire Department, or pancreatic cancer research.

In Debbi’s own words, “Life, live it to the fullest!”

Private family services will be held. A celebration of life will follow at a later date. Please share a memory of Debbi with her family online at www.mankatomortuary.com.