Deb Diercks died on November 22, 2025.  Deborah Louise (Orazem) Diercks, daughter of Charles and Shirley (Spillum) Orazem, was born on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1955, in Duluth, MN.

Her parents divorced shortly after her birth, so she moved with her mother and sisters to Virginia, MN to be closer to her grandparents.  Debbie grew up in Virginia, attending school and church, taking piano and organ lessons, and playing with her best friend, Jacie Rabideau.  Life was good during those years and children were able to ride bikes, walk after dark, enjoy swimming in the lake and skating on outdoor rinks and arenas.

Music was always an important part of the family and the countless lessons enabled Debbie to become church organist for Our Savior's Lutheran during high school.  It was music that brought her and her husband, Shelley Diercks, together after becoming close friends while on tour with the Minnesota All State Lutheran Choir in 1973.  Debbie graduated as salutatorian from Roosevelt High School in 1973.  She attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where she graduated magna cum laude with majors in elementary and special education.  She was hired as Parish Education Coordinator for First Lutheran Church in Bemidji, MN the summer of 1973.  That position required planning, organizing and leadership which were all skills she used later in life.

Debbie and Shelley were united in marriage on August 26, 1978 in Virginia, MN.  They were blessed with four children: Peter, Alyssa, Krista and David.  The family resided in Centerville, SD since 1983.  Deb was fortunate to be a stay-at-home mom while the children were young.  This time provided the opportunity to become involved with church activities and the Centerville Arts Council.  She was also able to work at several local business including the Centerville Library, Schmiedt Drug, Total Stop Grocery Store, and the Centerville Care and Rehab Center.  Music continued to be an area of passion and she enjoyed meeting so many dear people through her involvement with the Arts Council.  It brought her great joy to bring community members together with music and theatre.  Life is good!  Following a cancer diagnosis in 2020, those words meant even more to Deb.  She tried to make the most of each day and truly enjoy time with family and friends.  Her grandchildren were an especially important part of her life and she treasured the times they were together.  She enjoyed playing games with the grandchildren and baking favorite treats.

As per Deb's wishes, no funeral services are scheduled. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Centerville Arts Council and the Centerville Historical Museum.