Deborah L. Lenius

Deborah L. Lenius, 67, of Moorhead, MN, passed away peacefully August 24, 2023, in her home surrounded by her family, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Debbie was born September 6, 1955, daughter of George and Edith (Leinum) Ruud, in Fargo, ND. Her childhood was divided between North Dakota and California - she attended high school in Santa Clara, CA. She worked briefly in the Bay Area before returning to North Dakota in 1976. In Fargo she began a long career with Burlington Northern (later BNSF) Railroad in 1977. On June 20, 1987, Debbie married Larry Lenius in Staples, MN. They made their home in Staples where she continued to work for the railroad. In 1994, the family moved to Moorhead, and she retired from the railroad after 33 years in 2010.

Debbie had a passion for many hobbies and spending time at the cabin with family. She was a voracious reader, which helped her pass long hours of downtime on the trains.  She loved to tend gardens at home and the lake, growing delicious tomatoes and beautiful flowers. She was famous in the family for her desserts during the holidays. She quilted and crocheted intricate blankets for her children, grandchildren and loved ones. She enjoyed raising, training and caring for golden retrievers, especially her beloved Rusty. Outside of the home she spent untold hours at the Plains Art Museum making pottery and stained glass artwork.

Debbie had a lifelong affinity for learning, taking numerous arts courses from the Plains Art Museum along with attaining her Associates Degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College in 2019.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Larry; children, Samuel (Kacey Marton) Lenius and Laura (Zach) May; granddaughters, Claire Lenius, Kennedy and Blake May; brothers, Jim (Pam) Ruud and Rick Ruud; sisters, Carolyn (Al) Wyum, Linda Liebelt, Judy Cusey, Jeanette (Rick) Schaeffer and Becky (Brad) King; along with many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; and elder brother, Larry.

A Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, September 1, 2023, in Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN, with a Gathering of Family and Friends one hour prior to the service. 

The burial will take place at a later date at Church of the Wildwood Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN.

(Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service, Moorhead, MN)