Deborah Jean Fritsche

Deborah Jean (Helland) Fritsche age 65 of Rochester, MN died peacefully on January 21st, 2020 at Seasons Hospice House surrounded by her loved ones. Deborah Jean Helland was born July 25, 1954, in Wadena, MN, to Howard and Violet (Lenz) Helland. The family moved to Rochester, MN, when Deb was 3 years old. Deb graduated from John Marshall High School in 1972. She met Joel Fritsche while both were employed at Piggly Wiggly, they were married on October 28, 1972, and had three children. Deb graduated with an LPN degree from Saint Mary's Nursing School in 1975 and later obtained an RN degree from Rochester Community College in 1991. She was employed by Mayo Clinic for 44 years as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until her retirement in August 2019. Deb was a loving caretaker and passionate advocate for preemie babies and their families. She cherished working with wonderfully compassionate coworkers and friends. Deb was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church since 1957. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, quilting, and reading. Deb loved the outdoors where she enjoyed bicycling, kayaking, skiing, and hiking. She is survived by her husband Joel and daughter Melissa (Jason) Bargfrede of Rochester MN and sons; Michael (Kenlyn) Fritsche of St Paul, MN and Nicholas (Amber) Fritsche of Hayfield, MN; nine grandchildren; Laura Berven, Rachel Berven, Hailey Bargfrede, Emilee Bargfrede, Brynn Fritsche, Briely Fritsche, Logan Fritsche, Ella Fritsche, and Luther Fritsche; her mother, Violet Helland of Rochester, MN; Siblings Kevin (Linda) Helland, Lake Elmo, MN, Todd (Lisa) Helland of Tea, SD and Sister, Sonja (Scott) Kranz of Rochester, MN. Deb was preceded in death by her father Howard Helland on September 30, 2018. The family is grateful for the love, support, and care they and Deb received over the last few months from family, friends, and co-workers. A special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and heath care workers at Mayo and Seasons Hospice. A visitation will be held 4:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester. Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Thursday, January 30th, 2020 at Gloria Dei Lutheran 1212 12th Ave NW Rochester. Ranfranz and Vine is honored to be serving the Fritsche family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com