Deborah Merrill

     Deborah Marie (Burgmeyer) Merrill was born on February 21, 1957, in Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up in East Omaha and attended Pershing School. Debbie was married at the age of 16 and soon she was blessed with a daughter, Deana. Two more daughters would join their family, Mindy and Angela. For several years Debbie worked with her mother as a headstone engraver at JF Bloom Monument Company and later on in Missouri Valley, Iowa at the Super 8. She and her family later moved to Woodbine, Iowa and then to Modale, Iowa, both of which places she was blessed to share a home with her sister.

     Debbie cherished being a mom. She found joy in camping and fishing with her family. Frequently escaping to nature’s tranquility to recharge and explore. Her love for making jams meant that she and the girls spent time berry picking. Debbie was an amazing cook and she was an avid gamer who loved her PlayStation, finding excitement and relaxation in the virtual challenges she embraced. Her legacy is one woven with the threads of heartfelt connection, spirited adventure, and unwavering warmth.

     Debbie passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded in love at her home in Modale, Iowa at the age of 69 years and 20 days.

     Debbie was preceded in death by her father; mother, Joan Delezene Burgmeyer James and her husband Ivan James; brother, Donnie Burgmeyer; and niece, Emily Moser. She is survived by her daughters, Deana McKay of Modale, Mindy Merrill of Elkhorn, Nebraska and Angela Merrill of Woodbine; sister, Leslie Moser of Modale; brother, David Burgmeyer of Omaha; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews; lifelong best friend, Anita Alexander; and many other relatives and friends.

The family will host a celebration of her life at a later date.