Debra D. Wilbur

A funeral service for Debra Wilbur will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth, Nebraska with Pastor Caroline Schenk, officiating.

The funeral will be live streamed via the Trinity Lutheran Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/trinitylutheranhildreth/ & YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL7uI5iEnS55IJ88bYuCWlg/featured

Following the funeral, the family will honor her wish for cremation. A private inurnment will be held at the Wilcox Cemetery, Wilcox, Nebraska.

Debra Dawn (Fecht) Wilbur, 58 years of age, of Kenesaw, Nebraska, died on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family, following a battle with ovarian cancer.  Deb was born on January 20, 1966, in Alma, Nebraska, the youngest of four children born to Donald Dean and Phyllis Jean (Stanley) Fecht.

She was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church in Huntley, Nebraska, where she also attended Sunday school.  Deb received her education from Huntley Public Schools through the 7th grade and then attended Wilcox Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1984.  She pursued higher education from University of Nebraska at Kearney, and attained her Master's Degree in Education.

She dedicated her career to numerous Special Education programs across the state of Nebraska.

On May 27, 1988, Deb was united in marriage to Michael Wilbur at the Huntley Methodist Church. The couple made their home in the Wilcox, Franklin and Kenesaw communities.  This union was blessed with three daughters: Kelsi, Morgan and Jordan. Together the family enjoyed playing cards, participating in 4-H activities, and watching Nebraska Volleyball.

She enjoyed running, working with her students and spending time with friends and family, especially her grandson, Kayson. Deb loved crafting and planting and maintaining her flower garden.  She was her daughters biggest supporter, and could always be found in the stands at a ballgame, a concert or the showring.

In 2022, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Deb was not one to give up easily and took on the battle with all her spirit. She always maintained a positive attitude and her faith in the Lord never wavered. During this time, she retired from teaching to be home with her family, who were her greatest joy.

Deb was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth and the Ragan/Wilcox Methodist Churches.

She is preceded in death by an infant sister, Darla; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Lester and Norma Wilbur; brother-in-law, Rodney Wilbur; two sisters-in-law, Karen Wilbur; and Bonnie White; two nieces:  Kindra Wilbur; and Bridgette Korbel; great-niece, Addison Henery; and a nephew, Ryan Fecht.

Deb is survived by, her husband, Michael Wilbur of Kenesaw; three daughters:  Kelsi Wilbur of Wilcox; Morgan Wilbur and her fiancé, Daniel Smith of Holdrege; and Jordan Wilbur of Kearney; grandson, Kayson Smith; her parents: Don and Phyllis Fecht of Wilcox; her siblings: Donette Johnson and husband, Blair of Wilcox; and Dean Fecht and wife, and Joanne of Holdrege; brothers-in-law: Steve Wilbur and wife, Jodi; Gary Wilbur; Tom Wilbur and wife, LeighAnn; Kenny Wilbur; Mark Wilbur; Robert Wilbur; and Brad Wilbur and wife, Trish; sisters-in-law:  Sandy Whetstine and husband, John; Roxie Penner and husband, Dave; and Janis Hartwell and husband, Dell; and many extended family members, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Hildreth, with the family present.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you bring your favorite book to be donated to local organizations.  All monetary donations will be donated to the Franklin County 4-H Program.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.