Deborah Jean Sadewasser

Deborah “Debbie” Jean Sadewasser, 75, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, Iowa, where the family will greet friends on Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until the service time. The Reverend Melanie Van Weelden will officiate. Committal services will follow later that day at 3:30 p.m., at Garnavillo Cemetery in Garnavillo, Iowa.

Debbie was born on November 4, 1949, in McGregor, Iowa, one of four children to W. W. “Bill” and Violet (Graul) Sadewasser. She was a 1967 graduate of Central Community High School in Elkader, Iowa. Debbie attended Kirkwood Community College and earned a junior accountant degree. She was employed at the Linn County Road Department as a secretary, until her retirement in 2012.

Debbie was a gifted seamstress, a talent that brought her immense pride and joy. Her creativity flourished in her love for sewing, as she crafted beautiful clothes and handmade quilts that will remain cherished keepsakes for her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and her culinary creations were always a treat for those lucky enough to gather around her table. Debbie also had an appreciation for nature; she loved flowers and took great comfort in tending to her gardens. Traveling brought her happiness, particularly her adventures with her loving companion, Don. Together, they created countless memories exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and sharing moments that enriched their lives. Debbie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Debbie is survived and lovingly remembered by her siblings, Sharon (William) Gentsch, Sandra (William) Mierkiewicz, and George (Kathy) Sadewasser; nieces and nephews, Mark (Rachel) Gentsch, Drew (Dawn) Gentsch, Jennifer Dewar, Nathan (Cassie) Sadewasser, and Jana (Jake) Warning; great-nieces and great-nephews, Zachary and Alex Dewar, Walter and Meghan Gentsch, Charlotte Gentsch, Celia, Michael, and Tahlia Sadewasser, William and Grace Warning; Don’s children, Mark Naaktgeboren and Kim (Scott) Melsha; grandchildren, Kristiann (Cameron) Blackwolf, Brendan (Sarah) Erickson, Hunter (Alyssa) Erickson, and Nolyn Melsha; great-grandchildren, Kaysen and Kingston Blackwolf; sister, Betty Panek; brother, Dennis Naaktgeboren; a host of extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving companion, Don Naaktgeboren.

Memorials in Debbie’s memory may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Debbie’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her close friends and neighbors for all their love and support, especially Jean and Chris. Debbie thought of all of you as ‘family’; and your care and friendship were very much appreciated.