Deborah Sunde

Tampa, Fla.

Deborah Dawn Sunde passed away peacefully in her home in Tampa FL., in the early hours of August 8th, 2025, from complications due to pancreatic cancer. She was 62 years old and will always be remembered for her colorful personality, her determination, her kindness which continues to exist within her children.

Deb was born to Donald Elroy and Mary Louise (Finke) Christopherson on January 31st, 1963 in Minot, ND.

She grew up in Minot with her younger brother Ronald. Debbie graduated from Minot High School, Class of 1981. She married Kim Dean Wuertz that August, and moved to Germany through the Air Force. Deb returned from Germany in 1984. While married to Kim, they had 3 children: Joshua Lynn, Kira Marie, and Seth James. She had Zachary Joseph with her second husband (Joe Regan), and had her fourth son John Detlie in May of 1992. Deb’s third marriage was to Roger Dean Sunde (he passed away in 2014). She worked as a black jack dealer before managing at various restaurants in Minot, eventually finding her footing with the Kitchen and Dietary staff at Trinity Hospital. She worked as a cook with Trinity for 15+ years, becoming well known for her soups.

Deb enjoyed many things. Among them: reading (notably Stephen King), watching television series (Star Trek was a favorite), gardening (she had the greenest of thumbs), crafting and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.

Deborah is survived by her son Joshua Wuertz (Rachel Lyle) of Great Falls, MT; her daughter Kira Erwin (Eric Erwin) of Minot; ND, and sons Seth Wuertz and Zachary Regan (both of Tampa, FL); and John Detlie. Deb is also survived by her grandchildren: Brady, Brylie, Braxton, and Brooklynn Wuertz. She was preceded in death by her father Donald Christopherson, as well as by James Olson (stepfather) and mother Mary Olson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 8th, 2025 at the Motel 6, in Minot, ND, from 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (courage4change.org).

Published by The Minot Daily News, October 31, 2025.