Debra "Debbie" I. Olson

Debra “Debbie” I. Olson, age 62, of Iron River, MI, loving sister, aunt, and friend of many, went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 18, 2017, with her mom and dad waiting for her with open arms. She was born March 4, 1955 in Ishpeming, MI, the daughter of the late William and Olive (Hocking) Hill. She attended and graduated from the West Iron County Schools, with the Class of 1973. After graduating, she continued her education at Northern Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Debbie was employed as a Registered Nurse. She began her career in Dallas, Texas working as an Emergency Department Trauma Nurse from 1983 to 1985. In 1985, she returned to Iron River and accepted a position at Iron County General Hospital as Director of Nursing and ICU coordinator, which she held until 1996. She worked at Munising Memorial Hospital as a MDS for a short period of time. She ended her career as Director of Nursing and Care Coordinator at the Iron River Care Center, a position that she held for eight years, until health issues forced her to retire. She was an active member of the Grace Covenant Church of Iron River, volunteering in the church office. Debbie was also the coordinator of Summerfest, Family Fun Zone at Harvest and Haunt, and Trunk or Treat, and also Co-chair of Women Ministries. Debbie was quite proud of her father’s World War II Army service and was an active member and treasurer of the VFW Ottawa Post 3134 Auxiliary in Iron River. Debbie was a very caring person, with a warm heart and a helping hand. She had an especially soft spot for animals and enjoyed caring for them. Debbie is survived by her brother, Norman (LuAnn) Hill of Auburn, NH; nieces, MaeLynn and Bethany Hill; her four dogs, which were like her children, Freckles, Maggie, Luke, and Trooper. She is also survived by her close friends: Dolly, John, Mike, Teresa and Aaron Cimarelli, Kristie, Bob and Paige, Dana Smith and her family, Kathy and Sawyer Gossel, Pastor James and Dawn Swanson and their children, as well as numerous cousins and extended family and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Grace Covenant Church of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Swanson II and Pastor Jack Hudson to officiate. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery, in the spring. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Debra "Debbie" I. Olson, please visit our flower store.