DEBORAH FRITEL

DEB FRITEL

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah Murrey Fritel, age 77, of Cooperstown, ND. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, who left us peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 20, 2025 at Sanford Medical Center. Born on May 9, 1948, in Wilton, ND, to Frank and Esther Murrey, Debbie spent her early years on the family farm, where she was the third of six children. Her childhood was shaped by the love and support of her family, and she learned the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others from a young age.

A proud graduate of Wilton High School, Debbie went on to attend North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in Wahpeton, where she pursued a degree in nursing. During her clinicals in Rugby, ND, she met the love of her life, Ernest Fritel. The two were married on September 21, 1968, and together they built a life rooted in love, service, and community. They made a few moves before settling in Cooperstown, ND, in 1970, where they raised five children and built a business and a strong family foundation.

Debbie was passionate about helping others, a quality that defined her life and career. She dedicated 45 years to nursing at the Cooperstown Hospital and Nursing Home, where she touched countless lives with her compassionate care and expertise. In addition to her work as a nurse, she was an active member of the Cooperstown Ambulance Squad, offering her services to those in need. Aside from her nursing career she helped to build the long-term operations of H.E. Everson's Auto Parts, providing help in various roles to include secretary, sales, deliveries, and housekeeping. Debbie was always on top of the weather and road report to keep people safe and avoid travelling in adverse weather conditions. Her faith was also an important part of her life, and she was an active member at St. George Church.

Her love for her family was evident in every aspect of her life. She spent countless hours cheering for her children and grandchildren at sporting events, always there on the sidelines to offer support and encouragement. She was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins, providing score and player updates to her family.

When she wasn't busy caring for others or cheering on her loved ones, Debbie enjoyed gardening and watching nature which brought her great peace and joy. Though she was always willing to lend a hand to others, she was a humble woman who often found it difficult to accept help herself. Her strength, grace, and unwavering support will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her five children: Joan Fritel, Moorhead, MN, Sandy (Steve) Schilke, Fargo, ND, Sherry (Robbie) Smith, Cooperstown, ND, Patrick (Amy) Fritel, Hazen, ND and Tiffany (Phillip) Eslinger, Lake Park, MN; her many beloved grandchildren Alex (Sam) Schilke, Calie (Joey) Eggert, Tyler (Megan) Gravseth, Isaac Smith, Payton (Nate) Schilke, Ashton Smith, Aubrey Schilke, Trevor Gravseth, Reese Goerdt, Easton Eslinger, Beckett Eslinger, and Harper Eslinger. 6 great grandchildren Ivan and Hunter Schilke, Grayson and Baker Eggert, and Maelyn and Jaelyn Gravseth; and her siblings: Stanley Murrey, Colleen (Donnie) Flinn, and Tom (Carrie) Murrey; Sisters & Brothers in law: Naomi Fritel, Frank Fritel, Bea Bachmeier, Lorraine Fritel, Pat Fritel, Elsie & Harvey Leonard, Marge Heilman, Jackie Fritel, Ray & Judy Fritel, Doug and Kathy Hagel and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie, and her parents, Frank and Esther Murrey, siblings Mark Murrey and Mikkel Libby, grandson Jordan Goerdt; Sisters in Law Dorothy Murrey, Sandra Murrey, Janice Fritel; Brother in laws Richard Heilman, Vince Bachmeier, Will Fritel, Ed Fritel, Joseph Fritel and Fred Fritel, nephew Tim Fritel and niece Samantha Murrey.

A celebration of Debbie's life will be held at 10:30 am Saturday December 27, 2025 at St. George Catholic Church, Cooperstown, ND. Visitation will be Friday, December 26, 2025 from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm, with a Wake at 6:00 pm in the Church.

May she rest in peace, knowing the lasting impact she had on all who had the privilege of knowing her.