Steva, Deborah Jean

Deborah Jean Steva, 66, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a 4-year battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 10:30 Saturday morning, Aug. 10, at the United Church of Monticello, with interment at Monona Cemetery, Monona. The Rev. Edwin Moreano will officiate at the services. Friends may call from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday at Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at goettschonline.com.

Surviving are four children, Dawnette (Mark) Cigrand, Monticello, Donald John (D.J.) Steva and his significant other, Ann Whittemore, North Liberty, Darin (Rachel) Steva, Perry, and Dustin Steva and partner Jose Lara, Chicago. In addition, left are eight grandchildren, Dillon and Cody Jamison, Logan and Jordyn Cigrand, Peyton and Natalie Steva, Caden and Callie Steva; two sisters, Dawnelle (Ron) Lorenzen, Rockford, Ill., and Doreen (Ted) Liermen, Tampa, Fla.; and two brothers, Dennis (Bridget) Hall, Rockford, Ill., and David Hall, Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dennis in 2010; and a son, Derek in 1994.

Deborah Jean Hall was born April 6, 1947, in Rockford, Ill., the daughter of John and Doris Simonson Hall. She graduated from Rockford East High School. Deborah married Dennis Steva on July 19, 1969, in Rockford. The couple lived in Rockford, Monona, Beaman, Lake Mills, Clarence and Fredericksburg before moving to Monticello in 2007.

Deborah was a homemaker, raising her family until 1994 when she went to work as a para-educator at MFL MarMac, working with students with disabilities. She worked as a para-educator in Olin as well. In Monticello, she was employed at Advancement Services as a job coach.

Deb was a member of the United Church of Monticello. She loved to cook and make candies and mints. She enjoyed her Sun Conure named “Bird” and the fish in her backyard pond. Her greatest joy was being with her grandchildren.

Published Aug. 9, 2013 in The Gazette