Debra Jean (Ketchum) Nicklay, 73, Owatonna

Debra Jean (Ketchum) Nicklay, 73, of Owatonna, MN, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna. Debra was born on March 14, 1952, in Owatonna to Gordon and Nova (Kiefer) Ketchum. She was united in marriage on August 6, 1976, to Timothy Nicklay. Together they had five children, Rebecca, Eric, Nathan, Brandon, and Valerie. Debra absolutely loved her family and grandchildren; they were the most important part of her life. She enjoyed gardening, camping, baking, crocheting, and collecting eagles. She was often considered a mom to others beyond her own family. She could make conversation with anyone and make a stranger feel like a friend. She absolutely adored babies and puppies. Debra enjoyed having a Pepsi with her best friend Sandie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Nova; granddaughter, Eden Christy; two infant sisters; and her best friends, Sandie and Marlene.
She is survived by her loving husband, Tim; children, Rebecca (Sam) Christy, Eric Nicklay, Nathan Nicklay, Brandon (Mary) Nicklay, and Valerie Whitney; grandchildren, Dyllen, Zachary, Isaiah (Letizia), Eric, Ian, Khordinae, RJ, Joshua, Corey (Gracie) Isaak (Samatha), Dusten, Alexandria (Will), Carter, Beau, DJ, Chase, Louis, and Jackson; great grandchildren, Apple, Clementine, Peach, Scarlette, Vincent, Reign, Kendyl, and Wyatt; siblings, Darwin (Kim) Boerner, Melody (Mike) Morrisey, and Bruce Ketchum.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW in Dodge Center. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, August 15, 2025, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in Dodge Center and one hour prior to her service on Saturday. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center.
 To share a special memory or condolence please visit http://www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com. Czaplewski Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW, Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507)374-2155.  Blessed be her memory.