Debra Kay (Van Esch) Ladika, 61, of Owatonna, died peacefully of natural causes on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at her home. She was born January 6, 1957 in Minneapolis the daughter of Norbert and Vivian (Ableman) Van Esch. Debra graduated from Medford High School. She worked at the State School in Faribault and Northwestern Bell prior to her training and career as a travel agent. Debra married Randy Freiberg and the couple later divorced. Debra owned and operated a restaurant in Riceville, IA and later returned to Owatonna to work for Gopher Sport. In 2006, she began her career at Mayo Clinic in the Cancer Research Center. Debra enjoyed her work at Mayo and loved planning the large events and conventions. On April 21, 2018, Debra married Mark G. Ladika at St. John Lutheran church in Owatonna. The couple was planning to reside in Sugar Creek, MO once Debra was ready to retire. Debra enjoyed crafts, music, shopping, road trips, dancing and trips to the casino. She loved baking for her family and friends. She was proud of the fact she was a trained judge of Barbeque competitions. Her dogs, Data, Pounder, Dexter and Foxy were more than dogs, they were like her children. She is survived by her husband, Mark G. Ladika of Sugar Creek, MO; daughter, Madeline (and Tom Standish) Freiberg of Minneapolis; son, Christopher (and Brianna) Freiberg of Charles City, IA; grandchildren, Lydia, Ellie, Silas; sisters, Sharon Van Esch of Owatonna, Toni (and Kelly Maas) Van Esch of Owatonna; brother, Ron (and Norma) Van Esch of Medford; nieces and nephews, Marissa Van Esch, Kyle (and Erika Anderson) Van Esch, Kelly (and Damien) Hildman, Jordyn Maas, Devin Maas and several great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and many aunts and uncles. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday from 10am to 11am. Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 30, 2018 at 11am at Michaelson Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Visitation: 08/30/2018 10:00 08/30/2018 11:00 Service: 08/30/2018 11:00