Debra A. “Deb” Dessel, 65, of West Union, Iowa died Saturday, March 31, 2108 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa. Deb was born November 8, 1952 to George “Mick” and Lillian “Lil” (Halverson) Schroyer in Mason City, Iowa. She graduated from North High School in 1970, attended Coe College for four years and earned her teaching degree from Upper Iowa University.
Deb was united in marriage with John Dessel on May 12, 1978 at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, Iowa. One daughter was born to this union. Deb worked as a 3rd grade teacher at West Union Elementary School until her retirement. In 1993 she was awarded the Iowa Conservation Teacher of the Year. She was active in the West Union Civic Club, Holy Name Rosary Society, a member of the Palmer Auxiliary and PEO Sisterhood. Deb was also a member on the Fayette County Conservation Board and was Assistant Commissioner of Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation District. She enjoyed bowling and golfing, quilting with her friends and cross stitching. Deb loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Deb is survived by her husband, John Dessel of West Union, Iowa; daughter, Janell (Matt) McElree of West Union, Iowa; two grandchildren, Peyton Ann and Maxwell John McElree; mother, Lil Hansel of West Union, Iowa; and a brother, Mike Schroyer of West Union, Iowa; niece, Michelle (Barry) Armstrong and family of Guttenberg, Iowa; and nephew, Chad (Mary) Schroyer and family of Garnavillo, Iowa.
Deb was preceded in death by her father, George “Mick” Schroyer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Jean Dessel; and sister-in-law, Sharon Schroyer.
Celebration of Life Gathering will be Thursday, April 5, 2018 from 4-7 pm at Holy Name Parish Hall, West Union, Iowa with a brief Scripture Service of Remembrance at 4:00 pm.
Inurnment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Palmer Memorial Foundation, West Union Recreation Foundation or Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation Foundation.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.