Debra Ann Hutton was born on Nov. 20, 1966, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, to Steven and Bonita Hutton. She grew up near Osceola, Wisconsin, and attended Osceola Public School through sixth grade before transferring to Valley Christian School, where she graduated in 1986.
Debra worked in a variety of jobs in the area before pursuing her passion for caring for others by studying at New Richmond Technical College to become a CNA. She served faithfully as a compassionate and dedicated CNA throughout her life.
On Nov. 2, 1991, during the memorable Halloween blizzard, Debra married Larry Johnson of Milltown, Wisconsin. Together, they purchased a farm near Centuria, Wisconsin, where they farmed until 2014. During those years, they welcomed three beautiful daughters: April, Tiffany and Beth. Their daughter Tiffany lived only a few short hours and was lovingly laid to rest beside her grandmother, Elaine Johnson. Larry later passed away on Feb. 14, 2015, after a battle with cancer.
Debra’s life was marked by her deep faith. She joyfully shared her love for Jesus Christ wherever she went, often praying for “just one more, Lord” to hear the good news. Her ministry took her across the world with the Continental Singers, to Africa, and to Native American reservations, always eager to share her testimony.
On Dec. 1, 2023, Debra married Steven Mayer on the St. Croix River Bridge in Stillwater, Minnesota. Together, they pastored El Salem Christian Center and Women of the St. Croix Valley, serving faithfully until Debra’s passing on Aug. 30, 2025, at 4:43 p.m. Steven will continue this ministry, forever grateful for Debra as his “just one more, Lord” partner in life and faith.
The family extends special thanks to Cindy Wheeler, Linda Quist, Jeremy, and Shelia Madison for their continuous support and care during this difficult time.
Debra was preceded in death by her grandparents, Lester and Bonnie Linden, and Stanley and Mavis Hutton; her parents-in-law, Elaine and Roald Johnson; her late husband, Larry Johnson; and her daughter, Tiffany Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Steven Mayer; daughters, April Johnson, Beth (Josh) Dutler and Melinda Mayer; grandson, Herbert Dutler; mother and father, Bonita and Steven Hutton; mother-in-law, Starlet Mayer; sisters, Valerie (David) Vollendorf and Marie (Douglas) Clayton; brothers, Jason (Libby) Hutton, Nathan (Janal) Hutton and Aaron Hutton; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Steve) Jorgenson and Kristi Johnson; brother-in-law, Jeffrey (Kim) Mayer and Wayne (Kristi) Johnson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family.
Debra’s greatest desire in life was to know Jesus, and make Him known. If you don’t know Jesus, call on His name and put your faith in Jesus today before it’s too late.
The funeral service for Debra will be on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. at the North Valley Lutheran Church. A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. She will be laid to rest at the North Valley Cemetery following the service. Please join the family for lunch back at the church following the cemetery service.
Pallbearers will be Josh Dutler, Jeremy Madison, Aaron Hutton, Jason Hutton, Nathan Hutton and Derek Jorgenson.
Rather than sending flowers, the family would prefer donations to gideons.org
The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.
