Debra Cravero

Debra Jean Cravero


January 21, 1955 - January 11, 2025

Debra Jean Cravero, age 69, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, Minnesota, after a courageous battle with ALS.

Deb's life was defined by her love for family and her selfless devotion to nurturing others. From an early age, she demonstrated her natural caretaking instincts, often stepping in to help raise her younger siblings and preparing meals with love and care. Her gift for creating a warm, loving environment became the foundation of her life's purpose.

In her own words, her "greatest accomplishment" was raising her four children to whom she passed on her quick wit and unmatched sense of humor, often conceding to being the butt of their jokes. As a devoted grandmother, she found immense joy in spending time with her eight grandchildren, teaching them card games with her competitiveness on full display, cheering them on sporting events and recitals, and organizing family vacations to create cherished memories.

Deb's passion for cooking and entertaining was central to her life. She hosted weekly family dinners filled with laughter, opened her home to holiday cookie bakes where everyone was welcomed, and initiated neighborhood gatherings ensuring everyone felt connected.

The most remarkable aspect of Deb's life was the extraordinary partnership she shared with her beloved husband, Andrew Cravero. They met at AT&T in Omaha, Nebraska, where their friendship blossomed into a partnership admired by all who knew them. Together, they built a life of mutual devotion. In 1997, they moved to Minnesota and eventually settled in Lino Lakes, where they enjoyed golf, entertaining, and the quiet joy of each other's company.

While Deb achieved much in her lifetime, her greatest legacy is her lasting impression of love, strength and humor.

Deb was born on January 21, 1955, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her father, Melvin Gochee; mother, Mildred Tebay; and brothers, David and Pete Gochee.

Deb is survived by her devoted husband, Andrew Cravero; her loving children, Michael Kennedy (Molly), Matthew Kennedy (Kathryn), Mary Kennedy, and Brian Kennedy (Jason Ritchie); her cherished grandchildren, Eric (Ashlee), Katie (Luke), Ian, Ryan, Charlotte, Madeline, Camille, and Mary; and her siblings, Sylvia Spurlin, Robbie Gochee, Melissa Dencklau (Darrin), and Christopher Gochee.

Service Details - Visitation: Friday, 1/24 from 4-8 PM, Visitation: Saturday 1/25 from 10-11:30 AM, Memorial Service at 11:30 AM followed by lunch. Services held at Mueller Memorial Funerals and Cremation. 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN 55110.