Debra Michelle Nachazel

Debra Michelle Nachazel

Cedar Rapids

Debra Michelle Nachazel, 51, of Cedar Rapids, died surrounded by her family on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at St. Luke's Hospital following a short illness. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. Aaron Junge. Burial: St. Wenceslaus (Vaclav) Clutier Cemetery, Tama County. A vigil service will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Teahen Funeral Home. Those not attending the vigil may visit with the family from 4:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home, and on Wednesday after 9 a.m., at the church.

Deb is survived by her daughters, Morgan and Ava Olsen; father, Bernie (Susan) Nachazel; mother, Judy (Bob) Barnard; siblings, Kathy (Brad) Smith, Kristin (Jason) McElwee, Bryan (Jessica) Nachazel, Mark (Tammy) Nachazel, and Maria Pettit; step-siblings, Emily Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Kate Johnson (Corey), Brian (Melissa) Barnard, and Aaron (Angie) Barnard; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and father of her children, Keith Olsen.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, James and Ella Nachazel, and Alfred and Marie Yuska; and 3 aunts.

Deb was born on October 6, 1973, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Bernard and Judith Yuska Nachazel. She graduated from LaSalle High School in 1992, and from Luzerne County Community College in 1996 earning a degree in photography. Deb married Keith Olsen on October 26, 2002 and they later divorced. She worked for Unity Point as an administrative assistant, and most recently for the American Cancer Society and ImOn Communications.

Deb, lovingly nicknamed “Sunshine,” always put others before herself, embodying a spirit of selflessness and kindness. She was a constant source of support for anyone in need. Deb loved attending her children’s activities and volunteering at their school, where she previously served as president of the PTA at Hoover Elementary and led the Jefferson Band Parent’s Association. As a caretaker and nanny for various families, Deb formed lasting bonds and maintained those connections over the years, still keeping in touch with them. She faced her battles with remarkable courage, always wearing a brave face while being a strong pillar of support for her family and friends. Deb had a passion for photography and a deep love for elephants, which symbolize wisdom, luck, and strength. Her dedication to uplifting others earned her the affectionate title of “everyone’s mom.”

Memorials may be directed to the family for an established memorial fund.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.