Deborah D Bultena

Deborah Bultena, of Chancellor, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 22, at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with cancer. Deb was born in 1952 to Arnold and Lois Tippery in Chancellor, where she spent the majority of her life. She attended Chancellor High School, where she was active in band, music contests, and school plays, and later graduated from Lennox High School in 1970. On July 28, 1972, Deb married her high school sweetheart, Dale Bultena. Their love story began in the band room, with Deb playing the trumpet and Dale the tuba, seated side by side as a lifelong partnership took shape. Together, they shared 53 years of marriage and built a family that became the greatest joy of Deb’s life. They were blessed with two children, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and two more great-grandchildren expected this year. One of Deb’s proudest and most cherished roles was being a mother and grandmother. She was the devoted mother of Jason (Kelli) and Jill (Mike), and a loving grandmother to Zachary, Maxwell (Kara), Cassidy, and Brianna, as well as a treasured great-grandmother to Briella. She always found time to support, encourage, and love her family. When her grandchildren were young, she happily babysat at least one day each week, and as they grew older, she rarely missed a game, concert, or special event. Deb’s caring nature also guided her professional life. She attended the McKennan School of Radiologic Technology, graduating in 1972, and spent most of her career working in the medical field, where her compassion and steady presence served countless individuals and families. That same spirit of service extended well beyond her work. A lifelong member of Chancellor Reformed Church, Deb gave generously of her time and talents. She taught Sunday School and Bible School, directed the Cherub Choir, and during her high school years served as a Synodical Officer for the RCYF. Deb also found joy in creativity, travel, and togetherness. She enjoyed acting in Chancellor melodramas to support the community, taking all-girls trips to Mexico, gardening, crocheting, and baking. She especially cherished time spent with family and friends, including shared vacations and memorable summer visits with Diann and Vinton and their children, often bringing along her own children and grandchildren to gather together by the pool. In retirement, Deb continued serving others as a liaison for Love INC, helping individuals find stability and hope. Her generosity was lived out daily through meals shared, rides given, and hands always ready to help family, friends, and strangers alike. Deb is lovingly remembered by her husband, Dale Bultena; her children, Jason (Kelli) Bultena and Jill (Mike) Rosenfeld; her grandchildren, Zachary Bultena, Maxwell (Kara) Bultena, Cassidy Bultena, and Brianna Rosenfeld; her great-grandchild, Briella Knock; and a host of extended family and dear friends. Please join Deb’s family for a visitation from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, January 29 at the Chancellor Reformed Church in Chancellor. Her Memorial Service will be held the following morning at 10:30 am, Friday, January 30 also at the church. To view the livestream of Deb's service, please visit the church's facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/Chancellor-Reformed-Church-121255114555535 Memorial contributions may be directed to the Chancellor Reformed Church Building Fund, PO Box 47, Chancellor, SD 57015; or to Children’s Home Shelter for Family Safety, 113 North St Paul Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103.

Deborah D Bultena

June 22, 1952 - January 22, 2026

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