In loving memory of

Deborah Flink
June 28, 1958 - March 16, 2024

Deborah Jo (Bauer) Flink, 65, of Odebolt, IA, passed away on March 16, 2024 after a courageous fight with cancer. Deborah passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Deborah was born on June 28, 1958, to Edmund and Joleen Bauer in Carroll, IA. She lived and grew up in Manning and Sac City, IA. Deborah graduated from Sac City High School in 1976 and Buena Vista University in 1981.

On August 1, 1980, she married the love of her life Steven Flink. Together they shared 43 beautiful years of marriage. They built their home and life in Odebolt, IA where they raised their two children Andrea and Brady.

Throughout her adult life, Deborah was very active in her church, St. Martin Catholic Church. She was President of the Ladies Guild, taught CCD lessons, organized the spring luncheon for several years, was a Lay Minister, as well as Chairwoman of the Ladies Circle. Deborah organized the O-A TAG Carnival for several years. She was also an EMTI in Sac County.

Deborah had such compassion for helping others and giving back to her community. Deborah had a long lasting career as an educator. She worked for Job Corps in Denison, IA, since 2003. Her passion was working with her students and impacting their lives any way she could. During her teaching career, she was awarded many honors including "You Make A Difference Award" and "Educator of the Year" award several times. No matter what support her students needed, she would go out of her way to help them succeed.

In her pastime, Deborah enjoyed going to the beach no matter if in Iowa or California. She loved the sand and water between her toes. Alongside her husband, she found joy in cultivating their garden, indulging in creative crafts together, and spending time with family who loved her dearly.

Deborah is preceded in death by both of her parents Edmund and Joleen Bauer, son-in-law Tyler Johnson, nephew Andrew Bauer, parents-in-law Earl and Lucille Flink, brothers-in-law Arlin Bunge, Larry Flink, and Keith Flink.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband Steven Flink, daughter Andrea (Andrew) Michaelsen, son Brady (Stephanie) Flink, and grandchildren: Aidan, Gage, Rafe, and Stevie; as well as her siblings Janet Bauer, Sheryl (John) Antol, Michael Bauer and special friend Andrea Lester. She is also survived by her in-laws Judy Bunge, Nancy Flink, Joyce Flink, Randy Flink, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her kind, caring, and compassionate nature will be missed by all that knew her.

Services will be held at St. Martin Catholic Church on April 6, 2024 at 1 pm. There will be no visitation. Friends and family are invited to come and celebrate this wonderful woman.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deborah's honor to June E Nylen Cancer Center or to a benefit account established at UBI, which will be distributed to local teachers to be used for school supplies.

Tributes

Iriana Helai wrote on Mar 21, 2024:

"Mrs.Deborah was one of my favorite people in Denison Jobcorp, she was one of my best teachers in school, She helped me so much in school she was a great support for me?Mrs Deb Thank you so much for everything ,May your sweet and soul rest in love?I?m so thankful for our time and your support kindness teaching I had with you?Sure Dinsion Jobcorp will not be same without you ??? Love,Iriana"

Katherine Surcey wrote on Mar 21, 2024:

"I never had the pleasure of meeting Deborah in person but her sister Janet painted a wonderful picture of a wonderful sister. I have had the pleasure of working with Janet for about 20 years. I know how wonderful Janet is and I bet she learned from the best! I am in Florida while she is in Iowa. I want to send my love, blessings and prayers to Deborah\'s entire family. May the stories and memories comfort you in the coming days. Love, Katherine (Kathy) Surcey"

Dania ledesma wrote on Mar 21, 2024:

"Ms.Deb was such an amazing person she was a great teacher she helped me a lot when I was in Jobcorps. She was one of the teachers I really respected. It hurts knowing that she?s gone but she will never be forgotten ~ Dania ledesma "

Jane M wrote on Mar 20, 2024:

"Deb was one of the kindest people I have met. I met her at Job Corps and I honestly believe she made the life of everyone she met better. I was blessed to have known her and to have gotten to learn from her. "

Kim Hines Mason wrote on Mar 20, 2024:

"Deb was such a charming person. She and I were in the same 4-H club for years! You all have my deepest sympathy. Peace to Deb, her family and all. "

Carver wrote on Mar 18, 2024:

"Mrs Deb was my highschool teacher in Denison job corps and she was amazing she helped me through a lot and I am so sorry for your lost sincerely Morgan carver "