Debra Knapper Harden

Debra “Deb” Knapper Harden, age 67, of Marshall, Minnesota, died under the care of hospice on Monday, November 21, 2022, surrounded by family at her home. Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2022, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the Hamilton Funeral Home. The evening will conclude with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., on Monday, at the funeral home.

Debra Jean Lietz was born August 4, 1955, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota to Vern and June (Severin) Lietz. She was raised primarily in the Balaton area. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran church and attended Balaton school district, graduating with the class of 1973.

In July of 1973, Deb was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Knapper at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Balaton, and to this union, 3 beautiful children were born: Brent, Dawn, and Jeff. The family made their home in Marshall and Deb put her love of cooking to use as she worked for Schwan’s for 17 years. She later brought her love of cooking to Taher’s and worked there for 15 years until her retirement in 2021. Bob preceded her in death in 2002.

In 2005, Deb was fortunate to find love again and was married to John Nussbaum at Split Rock Park in Garretson, South Dakota. The couple made their home in Sherman, South Dakota for a number of years before John’s passing in 2008. Deb was then united in marriage to Ray Harden in 2010, and Deb accepted Ray’s son Kevin with open arms. The couple made their home in Marshall. Spending time with family was Deb’s biggest passion. She loved being a mom to her children, and her love for family grew with the birth of each of her grandchildren. All four of them held special places in her heart. Deb spent as much time as she could with her family, whether it be enjoying a homecooked meal, baking with them, or going on many family vacations, especially camping. Deb enjoyed spoiling her dogs, Molly, Peewee, and Dakota, with time and attention. When she wasn’t spending time with family and her dogs, or cooking, she enjoyed doing crafts, such as knitting and diamond art paintings.

Debra Jean Harden died peacefully on Monday, November 21, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at her home. She had reached the age of 67 years, 3 months, and 17 days. Blessed be her memory.

Deb is survived by her husband, Ray Harden of Marshall; children, Brent (and Kathy) Knapper of Marshall, Dawn (and Tom) Clapsaddle of Russell, Jeff Knapper of Willmar, Kevin Harden of Montevideo; grandchildren, Raven Knapper, Jada Clapsaddle, Jamesen Clapsaddle; siblings, Cheryl (and Clayton) Gullickson, Kay (and Barry) Nauman; step-father, Thomas Herbert; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Deb was preceded in death by her first and second husbands, Bob Knapper, John Nussbaum; grandson, Jordan Clapsaddle; parents, Vern Lietz and June Herbert; parents-in-law, Floyd and Ann Knapper.