Debra Gandrup
January 10, 1952 - September 23, 2017
From: Ames, IA
Debra Gandrup, age 65, of Ames, Iowa, died Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at Memorial Lutheran Church, 701 11th Street, Nevada, Iowa, with Pastors Myron Herzberg and David Burling officiating. Burial will follow in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Memorial visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m.
Born January 10, 1952, in Iowa City, Debra Sue Gandrup was the youngest of two daughters born to Harry D. and Norma M. (Knutson) Gandrup. She grew up in Nevada where she helped at the family business, Gandrup Pharmacy, making lifetime friends with many customers and employees.
Debbie attended Wilson-Beadshear School in Ames, then was associated with Mainstream Living in Ames. Her mentor, Wanda Holm, graciously taught Debbie many important life skills that served her well and enabled her to work at Sauer Danfoss Hydraulics and, most recently, at Hach Chemical in Ames.
Debbie possessed a knack for spreading joy to all those with whom she came in contact and will be remembered for her contagious smile and happy, enthusiastic personality. She was considerate and thoughtful, enjoyed bowling, the color pink, and making coaster sets to share with friends and family.
Survivors include her mother, Norma Gandrup, of Ames; two nieces, Cathy (Kevin) Lambert of Grand Saline, TX, and Wendy Weidlein of Webster City; a nephew, Bill Weidlein of Story City; a brother-in-law, Charles Weidlein of Webster City; and her special friend, Mike Good of Ames.
Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Harry Gandrup; a sister, Elaine Weidlein; and a brother-in-law, Charles Graham.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Debbie and her family. Memorials in Debbie’s name may be directed to Mainstream Living of Ames, Memorial Lutheran Church of Nevada, or Israel Family House of Ames.
Condolences
Monday, October 2, 2017 at 11:22 AM
“Norma,
I am so sorry for your loss. Debra could light up any room and was an inspiration to many. Love,
Kate”
- Kate Harrell Gingher
Monday, October 2, 2017 at 11:22 AM
“My hearts with you now, so sorry about your loss.God bless you all. Mark Kitchen”
- Mark Kitchen
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10:59 AM
“ We are so sorry for your loss. We remember with fondness, the smiles that Debbie always had whenever we came into your store. ”
- Jane Nading
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10:59 AM
“Debbie was a ray of sunshine. She made everyone around her smile. Those who knew her were blessed. I love You Debbie. Heaven has truely claimed an angle. Kathryn Handeland”
- Kathryn Handeland
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10:59 AM
“Dear Norma and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of Debbie.She was one of Nevada's inspirations. Her smile was so contagious and her loving personality. We all learned alot from your family. Heaven has another angel to watch over us. Hugs and God bless all of you. Hugs..”
- Phyllis Valline
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10:59 AM
“Norma & Family,
Remembering how much fun Debbie had with the card and dice games when we would visit Mike & Jane and how she made everyone in the room feel happy to be with her. Her laugh and smile lit up the room. ”
- Steve and Grfetchen Harrell
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10:59 AM
“Norma,
So very sorry to hear about Debby G passing away! Debbie O and she were such buddies and I loved seeing her at Mainstream and out in the community! What a little sweetheart! She will indeed be missed!
With my sincere sympathy, Kathy Johnson ( Debbie O's sister)”
- Kathy Johnson
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10:59 AM
“Debbie's family, especially Miss Norma (the love between you was evident): Debbie will be deeply missed. I NEVER saw her without a smile or a sassy hat. She displayed such poise and grace with always asking how others were doing, about their children, etc. Her laugh-so infectious! I know you are in a better place, but you will be sorely missed down here. God's Speed Debbie. Jennifer Heubner”
- Jennifer Heubner
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 6:36 PM
“Norma,
I am so sorry for your loss. Deddie was always a joy to see. I remember giving her a ride on my motorcycle and how she really enjoyed that. Debby is in heaven and I look forward to seeing her (and all our friends) there.
Sincerely,
Kevin”
- Kevin Thomas
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 4:05 PM
“Norma and family,
My sincerest condolences for your loss. I have so many fond memories of after-school trips to Gandrups, which always meant much joy and laughter with Debbie. I was always met with a smile and usually lots of questions about my day. Debbie was a bright light in our world of Nevada, setting an example that joy was in the little things!
”
- Stacie Huse Funke
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 4:17 PM
“Norma and family,
Your grief over Debbie's death is hard to imagine, especially after losing Elaine such a short time ago. Debbie was such a dear, so lively and upbeat even when her health was not good. Dean and I are so glad we met at Starbuck's for lunch and that you both came to our reunion to release Elaine's memorial balloon. Debbie LOVED Dean!!! And Debbie was LOVED by so many!
With heartfelt sympathy,
Cathy and Dean”
- Cathy Williams Twedt
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 2:41 PM
“ Norma,
My heart is broken upon learning of the passing of Debbie. What a blessing she was in my life! We were such great buddies a long time ago.
We swam together all the time. I swear she was part fish! I stayed with her when you and Harry went out for dinner or to some other event. I swear she had every toy known to mankind and we played with all of them while you were out.
Debbie was an angel, a beautiful soul. She taught me so much about all the beauty in the world around us.
I loved her and so did my dad, Jack Moore. We both got such a kick out of her!
Debbie was a such a gift to the world. A special friend to me and countless others.
Her spirit, her zest for life, and her sense of adventure will be missed beyond measure.
I'm having a really difficult time typing this without crying.
You have my deepest, deepest sympathy.
With great love,
Marcia Moore”
- Marcia Moore
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 12:25 PM
“Debbie was one of the sweetest people I've ever known. Her bright personality made so many people smile. She will be missed. ”
- Nancy Wiebel
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 12:25 PM
“Norma, I am so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. She was always so bright and chipper. Quite a teaser sometimes too.She will be missed. Take care. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jolene ”
- Jolene Ihle Oxley
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 11:33 AM
“Debbie brought so much light and happiness when I would see her. Will miss her smile and laughter. ”
- Joan Faust
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 11:15 AM
“So very sorry for your loss. Remember Debbie well when I worked at Gandrups. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers”
- Paula(Valline)Wakefield
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 11:15 AM
“Norma, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Debbie had such a beautiful smile and wonderful personality. She was one of Gary's favorite people. Heaven has gained another angel. You are in our thoughts a prayers.”
- The family of Gary Runge
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 11:15 AM
“So sorry to hear of Debbie's passing she was a dear child and she had an infectious smile. I am sure she is already missed. ”
- Linda Gillis
Monday, September 25, 2017 at 11:15 AM
“Norma and Family - I am sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. I have many fond memories of Debbie when I'd go into Gandrup Pharmacy. Everyone that grew up in Nevada knew Debbie. I was in the store often with my grandma (Ferne) and my mom (Sue). Debbie was always quick to welcome people into the store, to tell a story and I always remember her smile. Seeing the picture of her with her sunflower hat just made ME smile. God will have a special place for her in heaven! Many thoughts and prayers are with you as you move through each passing day. ”
- Kristi (Pierce) Coughenour
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