Obituary/Mary Derona Filer (Dee), 89

Mary Derona Filer (Dee), 89, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, in Karlstad, Minnesota.

She was born on October 20, 1936, in Franklinville, North Carolina, to Jessie and Cicero Myrick. When Dee was ten years old, Jessie married Melvin Aaseby of Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Dee lived a life marked by love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family and friends. Throughout her life, she was known for her warm spirit, creative talents, and gentle nature, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Dee received her beautician’s license in 1967 in New York and later in Minnesota. She worked in the profession for several years, taking great pride in helping others look and feel their best.

Outside of work, Dee and her husband shared a love for community and connection, frequently enjoying their time together on a local bowling team. Dee was also a gifted crafter who poured her love into every project, finding great joy as an avid cross-stitcher, crocheter, and quilter.

Dee was an extraordinary military wife to Master Chief Herbert L. Filer, specifically a Navy wife; she gracefully wore many different hats, adapting to new environments and supporting her family through every transition, which meant not only caring for her family as a single parent most of the time, but also traveling to a new home port, finding a home, setting up with moving companies, packing, and unpacking.

Many times, the moves took her across the United States. Frequently, driving was the norm with four children, at one point in a Volkswagen Beetle. Dee’s ability to sing silly songs, tell stories, and keep the children interested in what was happening around them was a talent that was used extensively.

Dee’s knowledge of everything happening to and about her family was stored in her mind and heart. The family knew they could ask her anything, and she would know the answer or how to find it.

To say she will be missed is an understatement.

Dee is survived by her devoted husband of 73 years, Herb; her daughter, Bobbie, and husband, Tom of Asheboro, NC; her son, Dennis, and wife, Paula of Greenbush, MN; her son, Todd, and partner, Brian of Seattle, WA; as well as her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Vicky; and her grandsons, Andy Filer and Dalton Erickson.

A memorial and celebration-of-life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tri-County Emergency Medical Services at 104 1st Street S, Karlstad, MN 56732. Alternatively, loved ones are encouraged to honor Dee’s memory by performing an act of kindness in her honor.

Dee will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for a life well lived and a legacy of love that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Karlstad Senior Living Center, The Meadows, and the Nursing Home for the loving care and compassion they provided to our wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Your kindness and gentle presence brought great comfort to her and our entire family. We will never forget the warmth and dignity you showed her, especially in her final days. We are forever grateful for the meaningful work you do.

We would also like to thank First Lutheran Church in Karlstad and Pastor Caitlin Jenson-Brown for their compassion, care, prayers, and Pastor Caitlin’s diligence in visiting and giving Communion consistently. Her love for Jesus was evident.

Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Karlstad

An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com