Deb Will

Debbie Ann Will, affectionately known as Deb, age 65, of Fort Rice, North Dakota, passed away tragically in her home after a sudden heart attack. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Deb will forever be remembered for her warmth, compassion, and tireless spirit.

Funeral Service will be held at Weigel Funeral Home on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, with visitation starting at 4:00 PM and Prayer Service beginning at 5:00 PM with Pastor Phil Leer officiating. There will be a time of sharing during the Prayer Service, and the family would appreciate anyone who would like to speak to share a story or memory of Debbie as there are many!

Deb was born on March 31st, 1960, in Rugby, North Dakota. Debbie was adopted at 6 months old to the hardest working parents, Derlyn Schramm, and Alice “Joyce” Larson-Schramm, who instilled in her the values of dedication, kindness, and love that became the way of her life. She grew up with a generous heart and a strong sense for helping people. She was always there to lend a hand, share a laugh, or brighten your day with her beautiful smile. She loved her parents and couldn’t have asked for better ones.

Deb went to Mandan High School and graduated the class of 1978. She often talked about missing her high school days and friends and loved all the friendships that she made along the way.

On April 9th, 1983, Debbie married the love of her life Rick Will, at the St. Alexius chapel in Bismarck. They loved spending long days out together fishing, camping, gardening, and just being together. “The first time I seen him there was an instant attraction” she said. Deb and Rick had two children together. Heather and Jeremey Will. “Becoming a mom was the second-best day of my life” she said.

Deb worked many jobs throughout the years, but she always found herself back working as a CNA she often said, “becoming a CNA was the best thing she'd done.” She really enjoyed helping people and caring for them; she wasn’t just there to do her job, she was there to make sure they felt seen, cared for, and went the extra lengths to make sure her residents felt comfortable. She worked at MedcenterOne/Sanford for 23 years then later worked 10 years at Missouri Slope as a CNA and bath aid.

Some things that Debbie like to do to keep herself busy was talking on the phone with her grandkids, collecting unicorns, bells, angels, and watching the Chiefs. “How about them Chiefs” she'd say every time they won. She adored her grandkids - “I am a loving grandma and my grandkids and great grandkids are my greatest joy,” she said.

Deb is survived by the love of her life and husband of 43 years, Rick Will; her children, Heather Will, Jermey Will, Samantha Sandau, and John Hintz; her grandchildren and their spouses, Levi (Mikayla) Haugen, Michelle (Chandler) Brandner, Erica (Dallas) Kastner, Joesph Will, and Victoria Charette; and her great grandchildren, Aurora Brandner and Parker Kastner; her mother-in-law, Ruby Will; her sisters-in-law, Debbie and Theresa Will; and her brothers-in-law, Gary and Dennis Will.

Letters from Deb's Loved Ones

“She was the love of my life and the best woman, even though I was an a*****e, she made me into the man I am today. She had a lot of patience for people.” - Husband, Rick

“She always loved, that was her number one quality. She will always have a big spot in my heart.”- Grandson, Levi

“She was the sweetest, kindest most caring person I have ever met. She became my grandma the day I met her and she always made sure I felt like part of the family.” - Granddaughter-in-law, Mikayla

“She was my best friend and my biggest supporter. I’ll forever be waiting for a phone call from her. I love you grandma.”- Granddaughter, Michelle

“She was always there when I needed her. She was always willing to listen, even if it was just about how you stubbed your toe. If it was important to you, it was important to her.”- Granddaughter, Erica

“No matter if you were family or not if you came to her house for Christmas there was a place at the table and a present under the tree. She always made sure to make everyone feel like family.”- Grandson-in-law, Chandler