Deborah Jean Brown was born June 29, 1959 in Decorah, Iowa to Kenneth and DiAnn Evenson. She was baptized, received first communion and was confirmed at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, Iowa. She graduated from North Fayette High School in 1977. That same year, she was united in marriage with Darrell Brown and together they welcomed their daughter, Wendy Marie Brown. They later divorced.
Debbie worked for Ben Franklin stores at several locations, as well as in banking and trucking industries. She also enjoyed going out to eat and shopping, or “snooping in the stores’ as she called it, with Dave and her mom.
Debbie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis nearly 40 years ago. Her very strong will and determination helped her thru many difficult situations, however her long and courageous battle with MS came to an end on May 1, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in West Union, Iowa. She will be greatly missed and her memory will be cherished forever.
She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Brown; partner, Dave Myers; granddaughter, Emma Schmelzer; mom, DiAnn Evenson; sisters, Kathy (Dan) Massman and Kris Evenson; nephew, Christopher Massman; niece, Jennifer (Russ) Svendsen; great nephews, Kray Massman, Aiden and Reed Svendsen; great nieces, Anya and Ella Svendsen; special friend, Amy Hemesath, along with “Grandma” D. J. Brown.
She was preceded in death by her dad, Kenneth Evenson; grandparents, Knut and Hazel Evenson and Frank and Clara Kobriger; brother-in-law, Keith Stubbe; and niece, Mary Massman.
A Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home in West Union, Iowa.
Burial will follow in the West Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.