Brett Debele

Kramer

Brett Jacob Debele, age 39, of Kramer passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at a Rochester, Minn. hospital after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He now rests in the arms of Jesus for all eternity. His memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Kramer, N.D. Burial will follow at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, rural Kramer. Visitation will be on Friday, June 12, 2026 starting at 2 p.m. with a prayer service and a time to share memories at 7 p.m. at the Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau, N.D.

He was born May 8, 1987 in Minot, N.D. to Tim and Carol (Kitzman) Debele. On May 24, 1987 he became a child of God through his baptism at Zion Lutheran Church, Kramer, ND. He affirmed his baptismal promises on his confirmation day April 22, 2001 at Zion Lutheran Church, Kramer, N.D. He continued to nourish his Christian faith through God’s Word and Sacrament at Zion Lutheran, Kramer and Immanuel Lutheran, Willow Creek.

He attended grades K-12 at Bottineau Public School, graduating with the class of 2005. Participating in sports was something he truly enjoyed from a young age. He dedicated many hours and always gave 100%. He usually had a ball of some kind in his hands and his birthday party themes were always sports related. Brett continued his education at University of North Dakota where he earned a doctorate in physical therapy. After practicing a few years, he returned to the family farm where he was born and raised. His adventurous spirit took him to the oil fields of N.D. and the salmon fishing industry in Alaska for supplemental income. He was passionate about being a good steward of the land while pouring his heart and soul into the family farm – working side by side with his parents up until the time of his passing.

Those who knew him will always remember his witty and sarcastic sense of humor, his willingness to help others, his competitive nature, and his genuine care for others. He was an active member of the community, serving as a volunteer fireman and ambulance board member. He worked out faithfully, played pool, softball, basketball, and racquetball in his spare time.

Brett was a man of faith who trusted in his God through the trials and joys of life. He clung to the promises of God to the end, knowing that God would never leave or forsake him.

He is survived by: parents Tim and Carol; sister Beth (Trevor) Abrahamson and a very special niece, Lily; grandmother Rosella Debele; aunts and uncles Tony (LouAnn) Debele; Rebecca (Kevin) Herbel; John (Wanda) Kitzman; Jean (Danny) Brandt; Emily (Terry) Lafrentz. Cousins Dana (Jessi) Debele; Preston (Stephanie), Cora, Liza and Wiley Debele; Toby Debele; Jordan Herbel, Camryn and Callen; Shawn (Melodie) Kitzman; Wyatt (Kyleen) and Iver Kitzman; Chance (Nicole), Lainey, Walker, and Colt Kitzman; Shannon Petersen, Grace and Skyler; Jessica Brandt; Joey (Heather), Cailyn and Jacob Brandt; Lucas Brandt; Kate (Myles), Shay and Ames McTavish.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Donald Debele, Virgil and Wilma Kitzman.

Brett and his family will always be grateful for the prayers, love, and support throughout his lifetime and especially these past five months. We will never forget the compassionate care given us by the staff at Mayo Clinic.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be designated to either the Sarcoma Research Fund or the Palliative Care Program at Mayo Clinic where Brett received outstanding care. You may also choose a charity of your choice.

His service will be livestreamed at http://bit.ly/49R4frw.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau. Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 10, 2026.