Debra Ann Lake, age 54, of Rochester, Minnesota, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on August 26, 2026.

Born on November 15, 1971 in Cebu City, Philippines to missionaries Richard and Elenor Varberg, Debi lived a life marked by deep-rooted Christian faith and boundless love for her family and friends. She graduated from high school at Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines in 1989. She graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN in 1994. She moved to Rochester, Minnesota in 1995 to be a nurse at St. Marys Hospital. She was very involved in the Young Adults Ministry at First Baptist Church, now named Autumn Ridge Church. That is where she first met Kevin, who would later become her husband. In 1999, she joined Mercy Ships in the Philippines as a nurse and was responsible for the medical needs of the crew and patients who came on board. Kevin & Debi were married on July 7, 2001. In 2008, with their 2 children, Caitlyn and Nathan, they went to the Philippines with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Kevin taught at Faith Academy, Debi’s former high school, during this time (2008-2010). After returning to the US, Debi would go on to work as an RN at Assisi Heights, serving the retired nuns from 2015-2023.

A devoted follower of Christ, Debi was an active and faithful member of Autumn Ridge Church for over 30 years. She volunteered in children’s ministry, youth ministry, young adults ministry, worship ministry, and women’s ministry. Her Christian faith was evident early in her life when she led many of her Filipina friends to Christ, some of whom serve the Lord all over the world today. She loved serving people, tending her garden, spoiling her dog, Balto, and studying her well-worn Bible. One of her favorite Bible verses was: Psalm 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” 

Debi is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Kevin; her children, Caitlyn and Nathan; Her brother Paul (Margie) Varberg, Dan (Sandy) Varberg, Steve (Maricel) Varberg and sister Becky (Tim) Magnuson, Sister-in-law Karen (Rick) Foster, Brothers-in-law David (LeAnn) Lake and Larry (MaryBeth) Lake., numerous nieces and nephews and an ever growing number of great nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

We take comfort in knowing that Debi has heard the words from Jesus, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.”

A Celebration of Life for Debi will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Autumn Ridge Church. A visitation will be held from 4-6p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. The burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.