Colene Fay Gibbons DeBoer, 93, of Crookston, Minnesota passed away on Thursday September 24, 2026, at the Benedictine Living Center in Crookston surrounded by her family.

Colene was born on September 11, 1933 in Crookston, Minnesota, to Veral and Doris Burke Gibbons. On August 29, 1953 she married Francis Duane DeBoer at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Francis and Colene would welcome four children to their family throughout the years; Dennis, Gary, James, and Todd.

Colene was a devoted homemaker, known for her love of baking, particularly cookies that delighted her family and friends alike. Her kitchen was filled with the sweet aromas of baking, a reflection of her generous and nurturing spirit. She had a passion for collecting cookbooks, each one a testament to her love for the art of baking. In her quiet moments, Colene found joy in solving crossword puzzles, challenging her mind and keeping her wit sharp throughout her life. Colene loved traveling with Franny, especially to Branson, and attended many farm and toy shows together. Colene's legacy is one of love, warmth, and the simple joys she brought into the lives of those around her. She will be remembered not just for her delicious treats, but for the love she baked into everything she did. She was so loving and caring that she would put everyone else first. Even when she moved into the Summit Assisted Living and Villa St Vincent, she would always ask if she could do anything to help or if she could send anything home with anyone who was visiting. Her gentle spirit will forever be etched in the hearts of her family and friends.

Colene’s memory will be cherished and remembered by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her son; Dennis (Kelly) DeBoer, grandchildren, Brady DeBoer and Alex (Haley) DeBoer and great-grandchildren, Aiden, Avery, and Hardin.

Son, Gary (Beth) DeBoer, grandchildren, Tiffany (Jonas) Abrams, great-grandchildren, Myla and Hudson Abrams; grandchild, Jessica (Jake) Schuster, great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Avery Schuster; grandchildren, Jordan (Tobie) DeBoer, Nicole (Jack) Morrissey, Samantha (Trevor) Hancock, and great-grandchild, Peyton Hancock.

Son, James (Nell) DeBoer, grandchildren, Ashley (Preston) Engel, great-grandchildren, Kenzie and Ryker; grandchild, Janessa (Jared) Quanrud, great-grandchildren, Jersie and Rhett Quanrud.

Son, Todd (Dusty) DeBoer, grandchild, Evan DeBoer and Zaiden Morgan, a cherished member of their family.

One sister, Susan Gibbons.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Francis “Franny” DeBoer; daughter-in-law, Marcie DeBoer, and grandchildren, Cole DeBoer, and Joshua DeBoer.

A funeral service will be held on Monday September 28, 2026 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Crookston, Minnesota at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Interment will take place at Oakdale Cemetery following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to HIA Hospice and Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston, Minnesota.