I had the occasion to meet Deb in 2018. She was startlingly honest, brave, and on the side of good. She stood up for truth when it was needed most. I’m sad she’s gone. Blair is less now because of it. – Don Harrold, BlairToday Editor
Debra Kay Fisher, 68, of Blair, Nebraska, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Lyle and Marian (Nielsen) Gilbert, Deb grew up in Manson and Webster City, Iowa. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education and Social Work from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, later completing a double Master’s Degree in Education and Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
For over 25 years, Deb served at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, where she distinguished herself by developing emergency response systems for families in crisis and facilitating permanent family placements for children. She later founded Nebraska Family Advantage, an organization dedicated to preserving and strengthening families throughout Nebraska.
Deb is survived by her husband, Michael Fisher; children Timothy (Shana) Clapper, Amanda (Nicholas) Reznicek, Heather Fisher, and Adam (Nellie) Fisher; nine grandchildren: Bailey, Lauren, Breck, Benjamin, Nicole, Jaxon, Zander, Hudson, and Everett; and her brother Tim Gilbert. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Jon Gilbert.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 5:00 pm at Campbell-Aman Funeral Home, 444 South 17th Street, Blair. Memorial services will be Thursday, January 9, at 1:00 pm, followed by graveside services at Blair Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Covered Waters, supporting young women in Nebraska.
Campbell-Aman Funeral Home, Blair, is handling arrangements. www.campbellaman.com
