Debbie Gushulak passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 10, 2022 with her family by her side. As a devoted wife, a strong and supportive mom, a loving grandma, a faithful sister, a beloved aunt, and a fun friend; Debbie will be missed by many. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and humor that she exemplified throughout her life.
Deborah Ann Brekke was born in Hallock, MN on August 25, 1948 to Norman and Lois Brekke. She and her family moved from Karlstad to International Falls in 1951. She graduated from Falls High School in 1966 and married Melvin Gushulak on September 10, 1966. From the pipeline of Fairbanks, Alaska to the desert of Yuma, Arizona, Debbie lived far and wide, but always called International Falls home.
Debbie graduated from Bemidji State University in 1987 and began her career as a teacher. She loved children and her years as an early childhood educator were very special to her. When she wasn’t teaching, Debbie also spent many summers working at Rainy Lake Houseboats and Century 21 Real Estate.
Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Lois Brekke; her infant sister, Marjorie Ida Brekke; and her grandson, Alex Dugas Gushulak. Debbie is survived by her husband, Melvin; her sons, Chad and Andy (Melissa Boyes); her granddaughters, Abby (Nick Schleck) and Tessa; the mothers of her grandchildren, Kathryn Dugas Erickson and Nikki Rissanen Culbertson; her siblings, Jerome (Judy Tarras) Brekke, Wanda (Ronnie) Pelland, Bob (Cathy) Brekke, Linda (John) Braaten and Terri (John) Johnson; her many nieces and nephews and her life-long girlfriends from the Class of ‘66.
Debbie valued relationships above all things. She always had time for whomever walked through her door. With a wave of her hand and a smile on her face, she’d say, “Sit down for a bit, let’s visit.” Her steady stream of family, both near and far, always had a place in her heart and in her home.
Please join the family for a celebration of her life on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Ranier Community Building.
Debbie will be laid to rest at the Zion Cemetery in Karlstad, MN.
