Deborah Athey

Deborah Athey, 68, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Ortonville Area Health Services in Ortonville.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home Chapel in Milbank, SD, and will close with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. 

Deborah “Debbie” Mae Athey was born on May 9, 1956, in Ortonville, MN, to Russel and Janet (Smith) Athey. She was the second oldest of seven children. She grew up attending both country school and grade school in Big Stone before graduating from Ortonville High School in 1975. Following graduation, she found work at Frigo in Big Stone City, SD. Debbie later married Andrew Sessler in Big Stone City, SD, and together they were blessed with one son, Benjamin Sessler. The family later moved to Cloquet, MN, where Debbie devoted herself to caring for her mother-in-law while also working at a local casino. Later they divorced & she relocated to Milbank where she worked as a Hotel Manager until her retirement in 2019. She then moved to Ortonville, MN.

One of the most significant chapters of Debbie’s life began when she took guardianship of her grandson, Tyler Sessler, when he was just two weeks old. From that moment, Tyler became the very center of her world and her greatest joy. She often spoke with immense pride about Tyler, celebrating his achievements and milestones. Debbie’s devotion to Tyler shaped their lives, creating a bond that was as strong as it was special. 

Outside of her family, Debbie had many passions. She had a deep love for flowers, with orchids being her favorite. She enjoyed crocheting, piecing together jigsaw puzzles, and the simple pleasure of spending time on her iPad. Her dog, Buster, was a loyal companion, and her youthful spirit allowed her to connect easily with young people. Debbie was truly a kid at heart, always full of joy and laughter.

Deborah is survived by her beloved grandson, Tyler (Paylon Karels) Sessler of Ortonville, MN; her son, Benjamin “Ben” Sessler of Sioux Falls, SD; her mother, Janet Athey of Big Stone City, SD; six siblings: Randy (Linda) Athey of Big Stone City, SD; Nancy (Arlyn) Birkholz of Minneapolis, MN; Ron (Ginger) Athey of Ortonville, MN; Kelly (Gayla) Athey of Big Stone City, SD; Robin (Roger) Tietjen of Big Stone City, SD; Monty (Lynn) Athey of Big Stone City, SD; former husband, Andrew “Andy” Sessler of Cloquet, MN; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Russel Athey, and her nephew, Jason Brotzel.