Deborah (Tholen) Kuker

Deborah (Tholen) Kuker

Monticello

Deborah (Tholen) Kuker, 72, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2024, at West Ridge Care Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, following a wonderful three-month health rally that gave her and her sister, Cynda, cherished daily time together. Cynda was by her side as God and their beloved Mama Gladys welcomed Deb to Heaven, helping her gain her "Angel Wings."

Born on July 30, 1952, at John McDonald Hospital in Monticello, Iowa, Deb was the youngest daughter of Duane and Gladys Tholen. She graduated from Monticello High School with the class of 1971. Deb had a knack for appreciating the simple joys in life. She loved Sunday bike rides in the countryside with her mother and sister, as well as short scenic drives with her family to take in the beauty of rural Iowa. Her love for animals, particularly her cherished dogs, was a defining aspect of her life.

Debbie married young and experienced a brief marriage before beginning her career at Polo Plastics, where she enjoyed working alongside her sister, Cynda. In October 1983, she found love again and married Dennis Kuker. Together, they built a life in rural Monticello, where Debbie discovered a passion for the outdoors and lawn care. This shared interest led to the creation of D & D Service, a lawn care business that grew to serve several counties throughout Eastern Iowa.

After Dennis's passing in 2012, Debbie faced health challenges but remained resilient, finding joy in her sisterly bond with Cynda. Their visits were filled with laughter, jokes, and even playful tongue exercises—a humorous way to help Debbie regain strength. It was during one of these visits that they discovered Deb’s long-held distaste for her nickname, "Debbie Doodle Bug," a revelation that only added to their shared laughs.

Debbie is survived by, by Cynda Ingalls Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Aunt Betty Jacobs, Greely, Colorado. Aunt Marian Raio & husband Mathew, Ventura, California. Her cousins, Arminda Townsend & husband Elton, Greeley Colorado. Linda Sather, Ventura, California, Cheri Tholen, Monticello, Iowa, Mike Cowsert, Tami Tholen and dear family friend, Jeff Hall, Monticello, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dennis, grandparents, Albert and Marie Fass, in-laws, Nelson and Norma Kuker, brother-in-law, Michael Ingalls, Uncle Armin Jacobs, Aunt Particia Fass, Cousins, Diane Alveraz and a Cousin David.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will take place 10:30 Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, at Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello, Iowa, with a visitation on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery. Pastor Holly Knouse will officiate at the services.

Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello has taken Debbie and her family into their care. To share your thoughts, memories and condolences with Debbie’s family please use the guestbook link on her page located at www.goettschonline.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Camp Courageous, PO Box 418, Monticello, IA 52310-0418 or Animal Welfare Friends 22407 Business Highway 151 Monticello, Iowa 52310

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Pennington Square Care Facility in Monticello, Above & Beyond Hospice, and West Ridge Care Facility in Cedar Rapids for the compassionate care they provided to Debbie.

Debbie’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. “Until We Meet Again sister,” love, Cynda.