Debra Boldt, 69, of Williston ND passed away June 28, 2022 at Sanford Health in Fargo ND after a long and courageous battle with metastatic cancer.

Debra was born on October 18, 1952 in Crosby ND to Murray and Eunice Torgeson. She joined siblings Jean and Keith. Debra later became big sister to Kathy and Mari. She was raised on the family farm in rural Ambrose. Debra was the planner, the middle child: our nucleus. We will miss her dearly. Debra and her siblings remained lifelong ‘friends’ and have always played an important part in each other’s lives.

Debra was baptized, confirmed and married in the Ambrose Lutheran Church. She attended Ambrose Public School through 8th grade and graduated in 1970 from Crosby High School. After graduating Debra attended Minot State University.

Beginning her teaching career in 1974 in Saco, MT, Debra taught for more than 40 years, with over thirty of those years teaching in Williston. She spent the majority of that time teaching at Hagan elementary as a first-grade teacher. Despite the hundreds of students she taught throughout her career, she had a keen knack for recognizing and remembering “her” students. She loved running into past students around town, and enjoyed tracking their progress when they were exhibited in the yearly article of graduating senior students. Her dedication for teaching extended beyond the typical school year, with her teaching during the summer as well as in the after-school program. She had a lifelong passion for early childhood education, which continued even after her retirement through her interactions with her grandchildren and other children lucky enough to have known her.

Those closest to Debra know that her family was her world. Her non-working hours revolved around raising her two children, Zach and Kylie, and later spending as much time as she could with her two young grandchildren, Evelyn and Oliver.

Although she told her dogs she was a cat person, she spent much of her free time with her dogs. She worked diligently on the flowers, perennials, and trees that flourished in her yard. She was an excellent baker, and her homemade buns were always a mainstay and favorite at family gatherings. She was active in the Retired Teachers group, her book club, and Bunco group. She also enjoyed supporting and attending local area performing arts organizations.

For the last 15 years of her life, Debra fought hard to battle cancer and spend as much time as she could with her family. First, overcoming an initial bout with breast cancer in 2007, and again in 2015 when it was discovered she was also suffering from a rare autoimmune disorder, HLH. She amazed her family and friends (as well as medical professionals) with her immense reserve of strength and determination throughout her medical ordeals.

Debra was preceded in death by an infant son, Nicholas; her parents Murray and Eunice Torgeson; an infant sister; and her sister-in-law Anne Torgeson.

Debra is survived by her son, Zach & Leslie Boldt, Evelyn, Oliver; daughter Kylie Boldt & Kent Johnson; sister Jean & Gary Fagerland, Chad& Ania, Justin & Jamie; brother Keith Torgeson, Heather & Jeff Tibbits, Bob Peterson, Shawn Peterson; Kathy & Joe Radenic, Casey Jo & Eric, Sonny; Mari & Bruce Bergstrom, Ryan & Jaci, Austin, Keaton & Lexie; six grand nephews, and many cousins.

Memorial Contribution