Debra Diane Cox

Debra Diane Cox, 69, of Harrisburg SD passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, surrounded by her loved ones. Funeral Service will be held at Henry-Olson Funeral Home in Estherville, IA. Tuesday, November 7, 2023, beginning at 11:00AM. Visitation will be held one hour prior.

Debra, the first-born child of Wayne and Loretta (Galvin) Haukoos, entered into this world on December 5, 1953, at Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, IA. She was the oldest of five other sibling. Debra attended Estherville high school, graduating in 1972. Debra married Delbert Cox at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville, IA in 1973. She worked as a medical secretary in freeport, Ill for many years until relocating to Marshall, MN in 1981 where she continued her working career as a Paraprofessional in the Marshall School district. Debra was a devoted mother to her two loving children Bryan and Stephanie Cox. She spent an abundance of her time traveling in and around the Midwest to Bryan and Stephanie's hockey and volleyball games.

Debra retired in 2015, choosing to dedicate her time to her greatest treasures in life, her grandchildren. Within the last year, Debra chose to move to Harrisburg, SD where she would be closer to her family.

She loved to cook casseroles and bake homemade goods, often sharing her recipes with close friends and family, and most notably known for her fabulous homemade caramels at Christmas time. Debra was active in her faith and was a devout Christian.

Debra Diane Cox is survived by her mother Loretta (Galvin) Haukoos of Estherville, IA, her children Byran (Valarie) Cox of Delmar, DE, Stephanie Cox of Harrisburg, SD; three grandchildren Izzabella Driscoll, Luke and Jacob Cox; five siblings, Denise (Terry) Johnson, Doreen (Kenny) Spoo, Darla (Michael) Pytleski, David (Michelle) Haukoos, DeEtta Koen; as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was Preceded in death by her father Wayne Haukoos, Nephew Kyle VanCleave and her maternal and paternal grandparents.