Deborah "Debbie" J. Gerding, 68, of Superior, died Friday, May 11, 2018, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth.

She was born September 20, 1949, in Superior, daughter of James and Delores (Wallin) Kirkwood.

On July 9, 1971, in Duluth, Deborah Jean Kirkwood and Merrill Raymond Gerding, Jr., were united in marriage.

For years, Debbie worked at the former St. Francis Nursing Home.

Some of her interests included puzzles, bingo, board games, collecting giraffes and talking with people. She was out-going and many people knew her as a very friendly person and "Grandma" to everyone.  Her greatest joy and greatest love was spending time with her great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Richard and Gerald Kirkwood; sisters, Donna Ojala and Cindy Engstrom; and sister-in-law, Patricia Kirkwood.

Survivors include her husband of over 46 years, Merrill; daughter, Jennifer Esala, Solon Springs, WI; 3 grandchildren, Katlyn and Brooke Grathwol, Superior, and Jacob Grathwol, Cromwell, MN; 3 great-grandchildren, Dakota Ronding, John Hoyt and Taylynn Spratley, all of Superior.

Visitation will be from 9 until the 10 a.m. service, Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19 ^th Street, Superior.