Debra Dessel

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 Nov. 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 third-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 of the Fayette County Conservation Board and was Assistant Commissioner of the 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; her daughter, Janell (Matt) McElree of West Union, Iowa; two grandchildren, Peyton Ann and Maxwell John McElree; her mother, Lil Hansel of West Union, Iowa; her brother, Mike Schroyer of West Union, Iowa; a niece, Michelle (Barry) Armstrong and family of Guttenberg, Iowa; and a nephew, Chad (Mary) Schroyer and family of Garnavillo, Iowa.

Deb was preceded in death by her father, George “Mick” Schroyer; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Jean Dessel; and her sister-in-law, Sharon Schroyer.

  A Celebration of Life Gathering was held Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Holy Name Parish Hall, West Union, Iowa with a brief Scripture Service of Remembrance.

Inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Palmer Memorial Foundation, the West Union Recreation Foundation, or the Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation Foundation.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa helped the family with the arrangements.     15u15