Dear ’78 Classmates, brothers and family,
It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce to you the passing of one of our’78 family, the forty-six year love of our brother Rick Nielsen’s (20th Co) wife, Debbie Nielsen. Debbie died in her sleep at their Georgia home on Friday, February 13, 2026. She is survived by Rick, their daughter Christin Winston (wife of Troy), son Matt, sister Denissa and brother-in-law David Schulman.
Rick wrote in his touching obituary tribute to her, “Debbie was a Navy wife, a teacher, a homemaker, artist, athlete, musician, horticulturist, dog trainer, friend, and companion…Debbie died as a result of multiple severe strokes, caused by blood clots likely from a rapidly spreading cancer that was not recognized until too late. She spent 40 days in hospital before her release to Hospice. She was home for less than a day before her promotion to Glory. She died in the home that she loved overlooking the fields and mountains that she loved with the people and dogs that she loved. That’s the way to go, isn’t it?” Yes, it is, Rick. To go being surrounded in our last moments by love, knowing even more that it will continue through eternity, as we are forever embraced in the LOVE of our Lord and Savior.
A memorial service for Debbie will be on March 7th at Dahlonega Methodist Church, 107 S. Park St, Dahlonega, GA 30533, at 1:00 p.m. Casual attire please. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Community Helping Place (https://www.communityhelpingplace.org/). A modification of Rick’s obituary of Debbie is attached.
Thanks to 20th Companymate, Ed Henkler, for bringing this to our attention today. We had known that Debbie had suffered a stroke. At the beginning of February, Rick wrote that she had had a major stroke four weeks earlier and would be in rehab for some time. Sadly, that was not the outcome. Ed asks that if any classmates living in the area plan to attend, please RSVP him at edhenkler@gmail.com.
For Rick, there is nothing one can say except that we are all here for you brother.
Eternal Father, Strong to Save….
Vince
Class Secretary