Debbie was born on September 21, 1955, in Fergus Falls, MN, to Rolla and Irene (Wedll) Kumm. As a child, she moved to a variety of communities with her family and graduated from Buffalo Lake High School. On November 26, 1977, she was united in marriage to Duane Carrow at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall.
Debbie had passion for education, often telling others “Education is the key to success.†After nurturing her own children, Debbie became a first generation college student. The year her youngest child entered kindergarten, Debbie entered college. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall and continued on to receive a Master’s Degree in counseling from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.
Her dedication to helping others and her commitment to education motivated Debbie to create the Upward Bound program at SMSU in 2008. The program allowed her to nurture more than 100 first-generation college students — beginning in 9th grade — into college.
As she did with her own children, Debbie gave a little piece of herself to each student in her program, making sure they had the tools necessary to be successful in life.
With a strong love for her husband, children, grandchildren, friends and extended family, Debbie dedicated her life to those around her. She had a subtle sense of humor and a genuine interest in helping people, oftentimes lifting the spirits of those around her without them even realizing it was happening.
Debbie was a truly giving person who carried herself with grace and dignity, never complaining about life’s troubles, even when facing an incurable and debilitating disease. She always demonstrated the importance of taking the high road and was an inspiration to those who knew her.
Debbie’s influences were felt by everyone who knew her and even in death she continues to be an inspiration to many. After a lengthy battle with ALS, Debbie died peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2015, at her home in Marshall, under the care of Prairie Home Hospice.
She is survived by her husband, Duane, of Marshall, son Nick (and Kris) Carrow of Marshall, grandchildren Maddy and Jackson, son Matt (and Anna Ballard) Carrow of Boston, MA, granddaughter MacKinnon, daughter Marri Carrow of Panama City, Panama, mother-in-law Geraldine Carrow of Marshall, siblings Wayne (and Sandy) Kumm, Carol (and Ron) Fredrickson, Ronda Bemmels, David (and Cheryl) Kumm, Dan Kumm (and fiancé Shirley,) Sue (and John) Gard, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, father-in-law Bozo Carrow, brother-in-law Kenny Bemmels and nephew, Evan Carrow.
Memorials preferred to Prairie Home Hospice of Marshall.
