Debra Bockus 12/16/2025

Debra Kae “Deb” Bockus was born on June 9, 1954, third of four children of Richard Clarence and Vera Bockus of North Platte, Nebraska. Deb graduated from North Platte Senior High School in 1972 and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she received a B.S. in Computer Science. In 1976, she married Bradley Kinkaid of Wausa, Nebraska. She worked at the State of Nebraska and then the University of Nebraska before returning to the classroom and earning her M.S. degree in Engineering in 1985, almost 5 minutes before Brad received his M.S. Brad lost that mostly friendly wager. Bockus before Kinkaid, not Agriculture before Engineering.

Deb began a career with 3M in St. Paul, MN as a computer software engineer, where she enjoyed many lasting friendships. Deb transitioned to Imation when that new company was spun off from 3M and worked there for several years. She and Brad were divorced in 2024. A daughter, Meghan Cartmill, lives near Elk Mound, Wisconsin.

Debra had many interests including arts and crafts, even dedicating one room in her house to those activities. In addition, many Saturdays were spent crafting elsewhere. She was active in any church group involving crafts, Bible study or just helping out anywhere she could, including children’s Christmas programs and serving on finance committees. Debra participated in church groups enjoying canoeing, fishing and camping in the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area) in northern Minnesota. Later she would zoom Bible Study groups or church worship services if travel became difficult. She was a Girl Scout Leader for several years and worked hard to support other local youth soccer and swim teams.

Deb spent a lot of time learning about her family ancestry and accumulating family photographs dating back as many generations as possible. She was especially proud of her parents and other family members helping the people in and around North Platte, Nebraska, with donations of coffee and sandwiches to service members headed through North Platte to the fighting fronts during WWll. A book “Once Upon A Town” documented the claim that they never missed a train, even during times of shortages and rationing. Her Dad, “Clarence” Bockus, worked for many years at that Union Pacific Railroad yard, the largest in the world.

Once a Husker, always a Husker, Debra was always eager to cheer on the Big Red, either hosting game watch parties, tailgating or braving the elements with friends in a stadium. Chronic health issues became more problematic however and Debra passed away quietly at her home. One older brother, Dick, is deceased. Deb is survived by one sister, Beverly Bockus, of Minnetonka, MN and one brother, Fred Bockus of Lincoln, Nebraska.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.