Deborah Peterka

Deborah Lea Peterka (Messer) of Stillwater passed away at the age of 71 on July 5, 2021 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Deb was born on October 28, 1949, to Wilbur and Lillian Messer in Wadena, Minnesota and is preceded in death by her parents and nephew Christian Messer. Deb is survived by Dave, her loving husband of 42 years, daughter Melissa Urbanek (Charles), son Mitchell (Sara) and four grandchildren: Maxwell, Maya and Sam Urbanek and Emma Peterka. Deb is also survived by her sister Sandy Messer and her brothers Bruce (Michelle) and Bob (Paula) Messer, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family was always most important to Deb. Spending time with them was the highest priority and greatest joy of her life. Family vacations in Mexico, boating on the St. Croix River and babysitting for her grandchildren brought her the most happiness. Deb was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was always there.

Deb had two primary careers including 33 years in mortgage banking, where she met Dave in 1978; and 7 ½ years at TreeHouse, Inc. supporting at-risk youth before retiring in 2015.

Deb loved boating. From summers on the St. Croix River to self-chartered boats through the islands of the Caribbean to ocean and river cruises in Europe, Central America and Canada, Deb joined Dave in loving them all.

A Memorial Service at 4:30PM and a Celebration of Life from 5:00PM to 7:00PM will be held at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center in Stillwater on Thursday, July 29, 2021. Memorials are preferred to the Frauenshuh Cancer Center in St. Louis Park or Lakeview Hospital Homecare & Hospice in Stillwater.