"I am forever grateful to Deb for welcoming my son, Steven, to Denison and the radio station and sharing the morning show with him. I so enjoyed listening to those two on air as I was able to keep up with Steven\'s life through Deb... she would ask him questions I would have and she would give him grief as I would have, also! I was looking forward to meeting her someday, but missed my chance. My condolences to her family and friends! "
In loving memory of
Deb Nelson
April 6, 1964 - March 8, 2021
Deb Nelson was born April 6, 1964 to James and Donna (Carey) Pritchard in Canoga Park, California. She became a baptized child of God and later confirmed her faith at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dow City, Iowa.
Upon graduating from Dow City-Arion as a proud Greyhound, she worked at the Red Lantern Steakhouse in Denison, making large batches of the famed 'Red Lantern Cheese Dip'. It was here that she met Jeff while he was a member of the police department.
On October 23, 1982, Deb was united in marriage to Jeffrey Nelson at First United Methodist Church in Denison. They made their home in Schleswig. They were soon blessed with a son, Christopher, and a daughter, Katelyn.
Together, Deb and Jeff owned and operated American Auto Sales in Denison. This gave Deb the opportunity to focus on what she really loved - her kids. Deb was the quintessential neighborhood mom. Always one to have hot chocolate for the backyard sledders in the winter, and ice pops for the sidewalk surfers in the summer. She was even known to fire up the cotton candy machine in the driveway for all the neighborhood kids to enjoy. She was a champion for her kids in everything they did, from soccer to band concerts, and softball to scouting. Deb was an active member of Troop 55 in Denison and served for many years as a District Commissioner for the Boy Scouts.
When Deb wasn't on the ball diamond or in the Fine Arts Center, she could usually be found at the pool. She loved swimming, but more than that, she loved teaching people how to swim. She taught water aerobics for many years, and anyone who attended knew they were in for a workout.
Deb eventually found another calling as the voice of western Iowa on KDSN Radio. It was here that Deb shined. Her humor, love for the community, compassion, and unapologetic personality, thrived. She related to people in a way few ever could. She loved this community, and she loved being its voice.
Those who were lucky enough, also got to experience Deb's cooking. From her pasta sauce to her award-winning pickles, she loved to cook and share - and perhaps sell you some Pampered Chef along the way.
While Deb loved many things in this life - she loved none more than her husband, Jeff. In their 40 years together, they shared incredible experiences. They traveled together to places near and far. They especially enjoyed the Caribbean, so much so, they created a little hot tub oasis in the back yard. Years ago, if you called the house and the kids answered the phone only to say their parents were "out of town" - it just meant they were in the hot tub with a bottle of champagne.
Deb passed away Monday, March 8, 2021 at her home in Schleswig attaining the age of fifty-six years, eleven months and two days. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Donna.
She is survived by her husband, Jeff Nelson of Schleswig; son, Chris Nelson of Indianola, Iowa; daughter, Kate and her husband Eric Griffith of Moline, Illinois; siblings, Mike Carey and his wife Tammy of Dow City and Shannon and her husband William Bryant of Denison; half-brother, Kelly Wood; nieces, nephews and too many friends to count.
Visitation is 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in Denison. Funeral Service is 10:30 AM on Friday, March 12, 2021 also at the church. Interment is in Dow City Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family
Live streaming will be available at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the "Huebner Funeral Home" facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/huebnerfuneralhome/
Tributes
"I remember seeing Deb power walking past our house when we lived in Ft. Purdy. She did everything at full speed. Her energy and enthusiasm on KDSN was contagious. Jeff, Chris, and Kate I am so sorry for your loss. She will be missed by many."
"Jeff & Family In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend to you our heartfelt condolences. May our Lord comfort you and your loved ones. "
"Our heart goes out to you, Jeff, Chris, and Kate. Thoughts and prayers! Deb was a remarkable lady. She was a joy to listen to on KDSN. God\'s Blessings!!"
"Fly with the angels
God Bless"
"Jeff.Chris.Kate..My deepest sympathy,,My heart is sadden today..We lost a true spirit of life..Go Greyhound "
"So sorry Jeff, Chris, and Kate. What a shock!!! A lot of memories running through my mind. Deb was a true Dow City Greyhound. Deb when you walked through a door you lit up the room. Deb you brought KDSN to life when you was on the air. I know you missed your mom a lot. I pray she was at Heaven\'s gate to greet you. Love You Deb!!! Aunt Arlene"
"O, my heart!!! I am so sorry and shocked to hear of Deb\'s passing. What a loss to this area!!! Such a kind, vital and lovely woman . Her smile, energy and good humor were infectious. She will certainly be missed by all who knew her. My deepest sympathies and prayers for you, Jeff, Chris, Kate and families, as well as her siblings and their families. Please know that Deb is in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ as she is experiencing the indescribable joy of Heaven. "
"Going to miss you "
"We are so very sorry for your loss. Deb was a great person, we will miss her. "
"Nelson family my prayers and hugs to you all. Sharon irwin"